Homechoice set for nationwide expansion

by Jeremy Lee, Marketing 09-Nov-05

Video Networks is preparing for the nationwide roll-out of its broadband TV service, Homechoice, to compete against the merged cable company NTL-Telewest.

Homechoice currently serves parts of London and Stevenage in
Hertfordshire.

Video Networks has appointed Credit Suisse First Boston to lead the
fundraising for the expansion, which will quadruple its coverage from

2.4m to 10m UK homes, giving it a footprint similar to

NTL-Telewest's.

The process requires the 'unbundling' of nearly 500 BT telephone
exchanges, mainly in cities and conurbations. This will enable Video
Networks to install its equipment, allowing viewers to receive its
triple-play offering of broadband, TV and telephony.

The activity follows a doubling in Homechoice subscribers to 34,000
following an ad campaign by Mother, which broke in September. Video
Networks claims the activity led to an 85% uplift in sales.