Virgin adds free Setanta to top TV pack

Virgin Media is to offer customers who take Virgin Media's XL TV package an additional six Setanta Sports channels.

The cable group says this is not a "one-off" offer, and the extra channels - Setanta Sports 1, Setanta Sports 2, Setanta Golf, Racing UK, Celtic TV and Rangers TV - will form part of Virgin Media's TV XL package on an ongoing basis from July 26.

Virgin Media said in a statement that the offer would mean those who wish to watch all the live televised matches from the Barclay's Premier League "will pay over £110 less with Virgin Media than they would with Sky," over the first 12 months.

Customers of any other Virgin Media TV service who want to add these Setanta channels to their service will be able to do so for just £8 a month.

Commenting on the deal, Malcolm Wall, chief executive of content for Virgin Media, said: "This deal will transform the world of TV sport and makes our XL TV package the best of its kind in the UK. When we launched Virgin Media last February, we said we were going to shake things up, provide something unique and give our customers superior offerings. Today we're making a down payment on our promise by giving our customers the very best sporting action combined with unbeatable value. But this is only the beginning. In terms of both sport and other new high value content, there's much more to come from Virgin Media."

Virgin's XL customers will now get access to the 46 live games from the Barclays Premier League, 60 matches from the Clydesdale Bank Scottish Premier League and the US PGA Tour golf, as well as European League football, rugby and horse racing. Next year Setanta will be showing 25 of the 40 televised fixtures from the English FA Cup, and a selection of England football Internationals and the Community Shield.

Michael O'Rourke, co-founder of Setanta Sports, said: "This deal emphasises Setanta's determination to make premium sports content available to as many people as possible, at the best value possible. Virgin Media's XL customers will be absolutely delighted to get our sports channels for no additional charge."