BBC given go-ahead for free on-demand service

A venture enabling viewers to watch on-demand services and other internet content free of charge on their TV sets has been given the green light by the BBC Trust.
By The Newsroom
Published 25th Jun 2010, 22:12 BST
Updated 25th Jun 2010, 22:12 BST

Project Canvas is an initiative between the BBC and six partners to develop a "common standard" which would allow digital terrestrial TV viewers to watch such services.

As well as putting a greater number of catch-up services on TV, the scheme could see viewers shopping and downloading music on the small screen.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Viewers would pay for a set top box and would also need to have broadband, but they would not need to pay an additional subscription for the content.

The scheme, expected to go live next year, is also backed by Arqiva, BT, Channel 4, Five, ITV and Talk Talk.

Yesterday's decision follows a lengthy consultation process.

BBC trustee and chair of the trust's strategic approvals committee, Diane Coyle, said: "The trust has concluded that Project Canvas will deliver significant public value for licence fee payers – people with a broadband connection will be able to access a wide range of on-demand content including BBC iPlayer, free of charge, through their TV sets."

Related topics:BBCITV