The UK Internet and phone provider , TalkTalk , has teamed up with Alcatel-Lucent in a 3 year deal to build, install and manage a new broadband Content Delivery Network (CDN) to support the launch of its future TV ( IPTV ) service, which will use the YouView platform (Project Canvas).


TalkTalk has had ambitions to launch a TV service for the past couple of years, although the HomeChoice IPTV platform that it inherited from the 2009 Tiscali UK acquisition was deemed insufficient for its needs. Instead the ISP became a partner in YouView.

YouView is a "[semi-open] technical standard" for bringing subscription free broadband ISP based internet TV services ( e.g. iPlayer , 4oD , ITV Player ) directly into homes via special £100-£200 Set-Top-Boxes (STBs).


However, up until recently any service development had been stalled by competition complaints from Virgin Media UK, IPVision and BSkyB ( Sky Broadband ). On Tuesday Ofcom, due to a lack of evidence, officially dropped calls for a competition investigation (here) and thus paved the way for TalkTalk to proceed with its plans.

The ISP has already made provisions for the development of such a service and does not expect to see its planned capital expenditure of £100m (2010 - 2011) rise. At present TalkTalk TV remains on track for a commercial launch in 2011, most likely in the late spring or summer.