BSkyB launches pre-emptive strike against BBC's Freesat

摘要

BSkyB has launched a digital-satellite television package aimed at consumers it believes are most likely to upgrade to digital television through Freeview or the BBC-ITV Freesat venture due to launch next spring. After a successful trial in the summer, Sky Pay Once is now available as a standard Sky Digital product. For a one-off payment of ￡75, BSkyB provides a four-month subscription to four of its six basic-tier television channel packages - comprising more than 60 pay channels - along with a set-top box, dish, viewing card and standard installation. After the first four months, customers can choose to keep the pay-channel packages, for ￡19 per month, upgrade to higher Sky Digital packages or simply keep a free-to-air service of more than 200 channels. The initial target is viewers that want a cheap way to get digital television and who might be attracted by offers from cable, BT Vision or Freeview.