LONDON--Telecommunications provider BT Group PLC (BT.A.LN) said
Thursday it will launch three Sports channels--BT Sport 1, BT Sport
2 and ESPN--free to any consumer BT broadband customer.
MAIN FACTS:
-To encourage people to switch, BT is offering new customers BT
Infinity, its flagship superfast fiber product, from just 15 pounds
per month or copper broadband from just GBP10.
-Existing BT broadband customers will need to sign a new 12
month contract; customers will need to pay a monthly line rental
fee.
-If customers wish to take the channels without BT broadband,
they will be available in high definition for GBP15 per month from
BT via Sky's digital satellite platform or for GBP12 in standard
definition.
-BT Sport will be easily accessible direct from BT; it will be
available via BT's own TV service, Sky's digital satellite platform
and also online or via a new App enabling customers to enjoy the
channels on the move or at home on their PCs, smartphones, tablets
etc.
-Customers who wish to watch BT Sport on their TVs will require
a set top box; this will be a YouView or Vision+ box for BT TV
customers or a Sky box if customers take the channels via Sky's
digital satellite platform.
-Shares at 1050 GMT down 2 pence, or 85%, at 280 pence valuing
the company at GBP22.25 billion.
-Write to Ian Walker at ian.walker@dowjones.com
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