TalkTalk unveils first TV venture

TalkTalk has launched its first foray into television as the once-beleaguered firm looks to compete with improved offerings from BT and Virgin Media.

The company, which lost thousands of customers in 2011 due to poor service, will offer its TalkTalk Plus package customers a free YouView internet TV set top box, with a 12 month subscription to LOVEFiLM Instant and access to pay channels such as Sky Sports.

TalkTalk Plus customers pay £29 for unlimited broadband, phone and line rental and will not be required to pay an additional monthly fee. The group hopes to offer the service to all customers from next year.

The launch comes after BT recently acquired rights to premiership football games ahead of a relaunch of its own BT Vision service, while Virgin Media is benefiting from strong growth in its recordable, on-demand TiVo service.

The group, which unveiled Sony chairman Sir Howard Stringer as a new board member, also reported a net loss of 19,000 broadband subscribers in the first quarter of its financial year as poor weather hit the rate at which it could connect new customers.