MUMBAI: UK media firm Virgin Media has launched a digital TV service to UK consumers living in non-cabled areas.

It has thus expanded availability of its quadplay of broadband, phone, mobile and TV services beyond its cable franchise network.

The service uses the digital terrestrial television platform (DTT) and a new set-top box to offer consumers:

* over 40 free-to-air TV channels and over 25 digital radio stations

* an easy to use eight-day, Virgin branded, on-screen TV guide

* high quality reception plus access to interactive content via the red button

* customer service support online and over the phone

* plug ‘n’ play installation

* low power consumption using just 1/15th of the energy of a standard 60W lightbulb

The box will be free to any Virgin Media non-cable customer taking the up to 8Mb* broadband and Talk Anytime phone bundle at ?19.99 a month. For non-cable customers taking a broadband service on it’s own, a one-off charge of ?40 will apply.

Virgin Media MD non cable Philip Snalune said, “Launching a basic TV service into non-cable areas enables us to expand availability of our quadplay of broadband, phone, mobile and TV. This is just the first step and our aim is to offer more advanced TV services across the UK throughout 2008.

“The digital switchover is just around the corner and we can now offer consumers across the UK a simple and low-cost way of making the digital leap, even if they can’t get cable services.”

Virgin Media non-cable customers can also purchase up to five additional set-top boxes to ensure they continue to receive great entertainment, wherever they are in the house.