Telecoms giant planning service bundle?

Telecoms giant BT is reportedly planning to offer free YouView boxes bundled with its broadband internet packages from next year.

YouView is an internet-connected television platform, slated for release in mid-2011. It is a collaboration between the four terrestrial TV networks and three telecoms businesses – BT, Arqiva and TalkTalk.

The telecoms firm has yet to confirm reports. BT Vision director Andy Baker would only say: "YouView may be offered at special rates as part of new or improved broadband packages."

Although YouView has received approval from the Office of Fair Trading, it continues to face vigorous opposition from other TV and broadband service providers, notably Virgin Media and BSkyB, who claim it is anti-competitive.

If BT were to give away boxes along with its internet packages, that argument would gain renewed force.

Marcus Evans presents telecoms and IT industry events, created by experienced professionals and with information presented by industry experts.