Channel 4's new factual station More4 will go live in October across all digital platforms, the network has announced.

In its latest statement on programme policy, the broadcaster pledged that it would be providing "substantial funding" for original commissions on the new channel, which is being given a budget of £30 million.

"We aim to launch More4 in October 2005 as a digital free to air channel aimed at ABC1 audiences aged 35 and older," said Kevin Lygo, C4's director of television. "More4 will add to the UK digital offering with substantial funding for original documentary or drama events, a daily half hour news programme from the Channel 4 News team and topical commissions.

"More4 will have clear public service ambitions and will commission original programmes across a number of genres. It will also offer viewers another opportunity to see some of the channel's strongest public service doucmentaries and features."

C4 is also planning to increase the budget of its entertainment station E4 by almost 50% to £57 million.