ISP Virgin Media UK has revealed that customers of its non-cable (Virgin National / Virgin.net) broadband DSL based packages could soon be given access to a new Internet TV ( IPTV ) service. This would allow the operator to offer a triple play bundle (broadband, phone and television) to those who remain outside of its stronger cable platforms reach.

Details from The Register reveal that Virgin Media will run a small trial in Cornwall (Higher Pill, Saltash) in partnership with fibre optics firm Vtesse Networks this winter. However the new platform is nothing like Virgin Media's existing DSL ( ADSL / ADSL2+ ) services and in fact has more in common with BT's forthcoming FTTC fibre optic based broadband; it will even use BT's local exchange.


It's understood that the trial will allow VM to offer a "full range" of TV services, including high definition (HD) and Video-on-Demand (VoD) content. Vtesse Networks believes that a successful trial and supporting regulation could allow the service to be rolled out to 2m homes and small businesses, many of which would be in next-gen "not-spots". We’ll believe that when we see it.