Virgin Media UK and Sky Sign Extended Deal for TV and 4K Content

Cable broadband and TV operator Virgin Media has agreed to a new multi-year partnership with Sky TV (Sky Broadband), which will not only extend their existing access to Sky’s TV channels but from next year it will also give them access to Sky’s Ultra HD (4K) linear and additional video-on-demand content.

The new content is set to include Sky Cinema Original films and live sports in UHD, alongside Sky’s original drama on-demand (e.g. popular TV shows like Jamestown and the forthcoming comedy Brassic). In addition, NBCUniversal’s suite of channels, including Universal, E! and SyFy, are also included as part of the partnership.

On top of that Virgin Media’s customers will able to watch Sky Cinema through the Virgin TV Go app for the first time.

Lutz Schüler, CEO of Virgin Media, said:

“This expanded partnership with Sky really shows that, despite vigorous competition between us, we can join together to put viewers first. Our customers can keep enjoying a vast collection of TV shows, films and live sport but now with greater flexibility and enhanced viewing quality. With our unrivalled ultrafast broadband paired with unlimited mobile connectivity and a line-up of fantastic programming, we give our customers everything they need to experience incredible entertainment in a way that suits them.”

Stephen van Rooyen, Sky’s CEO UK & Ireland, said:

“Thanks to this extended partnership, millions more people will now have access to hundreds of Sky boxsets and our incredible UHD content, as well as all the great Sky content they had before, from top Premier League fixtures to BAFTA-winning Sky originals. This partnership shows what can be achieved when you put the customer first and is a great example of industry collaboration.”

As usual the details of how much Virgin Media has paid for all this remains commercially confidential, although Virgin TV customers will no doubt see it being highlighted as a reason the next time their prices are hiked.

Key Features of the Agreement:

Sky Sports and Sky Cinema in HD so customers can continue to enjoy the latest movies and best live sport action.

Plans to bring Ultra HD programming to Virgin Media from next year.

Sky’s Entertainment channels including Sky One, Sky Witness and more, in HD as well as NBCU channels with E! to launch in HD.

An expanded catalogue of boxsets from Sky’s hit TV shows such as Jamestown, The Reluctant Landlord and the forthcoming comedy Brassic.

Increased on demand rights meaning that customers can dive deeper into Sky’s collection of films, shows and sports events.

Improved viewing experience through Virgin TV Go with the inclusion of higher resolution streams of Sky’s channels and Sky Cinema availability on Virgin TV Go.

Access to all Sky Box Office events.