BBC, ITV and BT join for on-demand broadband TV

BroadbandChoices.co.uk comments on the news that the BBC, ITV and BT are joining together to promote a common industry approach to deliver on-demand TV over broadband for consumers.

Broadband users need to be made more aware of their download limits and fair usage policies

ISPs need to continue to invest in fast, reliable broadband networks

Michael Phillips, Product Director at BroadbandChoices.co.uk, comments: "We welcome the proposal as a compelling consumer application for broadband and the next logical step in the development of the broadcasters' web-based on demand services.

"Consumers would need to be mindful of their broadband download limits since these could easily be exceeded by accessing the type of on-demand and high definition content to which the consortium alludes. Recent research has shown that 86%(1) of broadband customers still aren't aware of, or don't understand, their download limits. If they were to exceed them they could face punitive charges. ISPs must make the limits clear and broadcasters must clearly highlight the size of various types of content.

"Whilst ITV calls the planned services ‘free,' some ISPs charge customers 75 pence or more for each GB they download above their monthly limit so costs could quickly escalate - and this would be in addition to their television license fee.

"This is an exciting development and we would urge ISPs to continue to invest in their networks to provide fast, reliable broadband services to support it."