Virgin Media launches DTT service

Virgin Media has today launched a digital TV service to consumers living in non-cabled areas.

The service uses the digital terrestrial television platform (DTT) and a new set-top box, offering over 40 TV channels and 25 digital radio stations.

The set-top box, which Virgin says is "roughly the same size as a video tape", will be free to any Virgin Media non-cable customer taking the up to 8Mb broadband and Talk Anytime phone bundle at £19.99 a month.

For non-cable customers taking a broadband service on its own, a one-off charge of £40 will apply.

Philip Snalune, managing director of non-cable at Virgin Media, said: "Launching a basic TV service into non-cable areas enables us to expand availability of our quadplay of broadband, phone, mobile and TV. This is just the first step and our aim is to offer more advanced TV services in all areas throughout 2008."

"The digital switchover is just around the corner and we can now offer consumers across the UK a simple and low-cost way of making the digital leap, even if they can't get cable services," he added.

Virgin Media non-cable customers can also purchase up to five additional set-top boxes. In cable areas, free TV is available when customers take a phone line for at £11 a month. This is also subject to a one-off installation fee of £25.