NTL offers free digital TV with phone package

UK telco NTL has moved to a 'quad play' of television, broadband, fixed and mobile telephony in its efforts to attract fickle consumers.

UK telco NTL will offer customers free digital TV if they buy its combined broadband, fixed line and mobile telephony package due to be launched this September.

The service, known as 'Quad-play' will cost £40 a month and there will be no installation or connection fees. 'Quad-play' is an extension of NTL's '3 for £30' promotion which linked its digital TV, broadband and fixed-line telephone services together.

Alternatively, customers can choose to subscribe to two of the base services for £20 a month.

Broadband is provided at a speed of 2Mbits/sec over NTL Telewest's cable infrastructure. This contrasts with BSkyB's recent offer which uses BT's copper telephone network.

The free digital TV will have the same channels as Freeview, but includes added features such as video-on-demand. It will remain free as long as you keep up your phone subscription.

The TV element of this package acts as a loss leader. NTL stands to benefit, however, if customers upgrade to its premium channel packages.

NTL completed its purchase of Virgin's mobile phone division earlier this month and this represents its first venture in fusing the NTL Telewest and Virgin mobile brands.