Sky to extend download content this autumn as launch of BT Vision looms

by Colin Grimshaw, Media Week 20-Jun-06

Sky is preparing to counter the launch of BT Vision with the extension of its Sky Movies By Broadband free download service to include all entertainment programming, allowing subscribers to watch popular Sky One programmes such as 24 at any time of day.

Sky's broadband TV service will be extended to include entertainment
this autumn, coinciding with the expected launch of BT Vision, a rival
service offering entertainment content from BBC Worldwide, Cartoon

Network and Paramount and others.

Another rival service from Orange with content from Freeview is expected
to debut later this year.

Sky has been encouraged by early results of its sports and film service,
which allows access to 300 movies, with more than one million downloads
since its launch in January.

Sky declined to reveal the exact line-up of entertainment programming it
will offer. However, managing director of channels and services, Dawn
Airey, told Media Week she was keen to use the high speeds offered by
its broadband service to provide services for users to interact with Sky
and to generate their own content.

She added she was keen to monetise the traffic to online properties,
particularly the Sky New website, and expected at least 40% growth in
online revenues next year.