TalkTalk signs up to Project Canvas

TalkTalk Group, the broadband and home phone company that owns Tiscali and AOL Broadband, today confirmed that it has signed up to join Project Canvas. Channel 4 has also signed up to the project.

Project Canvas is the joint venture between BT, ITV and Five to offer web access (and therefore on-demand viewing) to Freeview and Freesat digital TV customers, via a broadband connection into the back of the set top box.

The project is a potential major competitor to Sky and Virgin Media's pay digital TV services, but requires the go ahead from the BBC Trust, which has not yet been forthcoming. The BBC Trust decision is expected later this year and subject to approval, Project Canvas is likely to launch in 2011.

Tiscali already offers an on-demand based digital TV service to Tiscali broadband customers, but has a limited customer base.

Max Alexander, Senior Director, TV at TalkTalk said: "We've led the way in making the internet accessible by championing value and building the most extensive network. We're pleased to support Project Canvas and believe that it will be of great interest to our 4 million customers."

Project Canvas project director Richard Halton, speaking on behalf of partners BBC, ITV, Five and BT, said: "Project Canvas can help secure the future of free-to-air broadcasting, as well as create an opportunity for a wide range of public services and new commercial models to thrive through an open platform. We're delighted that Channel 4 and TalkTalk have joined the project."

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