Europe UK : Sky takes a significant step in its drive to offer customers more choice in how they watch television with the launch today of new ways to enjoy Sky content on computers and mobile phones.

Two new services – Sky by broadband and Sky by mobile – will give customers more flexibility than ever before about how, when and where to watch Sky TV. Users can download blockbuster or classic movies to enjoy when they want and access highlights of the weekend’s Barclays Premiership matches on their PC with Sky by broadband, or catch up with the latest news on the move with Sky by mobile.

The new services are designed to increase the value and enjoyment that customers get from joining Sky digital. From launch, Sky by broadband and Sky by mobile are available to millions of Sky digital viewers in the UK and Ireland as part of their existing subscription*.

Sky by mobile is a downloadable application requiring General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) or 3G network support. Mobile networks that currently support connections to the application include Vodafone, T-Mobile, O2, Orange and Virgin Mobile. Whilst Sky will not charge customers for content, mobile networks will charge for the data consumed. Customers simply click the sign-up button from www.skybymobile.com and follow the on-screen instructions.

Sky by mobile will be available on all compatible 3G and GPRS networks via the following handsets initially:

Nokia - 6600, 6630, 6680, 7610, 6020, 6170, 6230, 5140i
Sony Ericsson - K750i, K700i, K600i (V600i),
Blackberry - 7100 7230
Motorola - V3 RAZR

The Sky by broadband and Sky by mobile services come in response to growing evidence of consumers’ desire to take control of their TV viewing and to access media content in different ways. Broadband now accounts for 57.4% of all UK internet connections (source: National Statistics, September 2005) as consumers take advantage of faster connection speeds to watch video content or download music on their PC. Almost half (47%) of all Sky digital customers have broadband connected PCs, compared to a national average of 38%.

Sky by mobile is available across multiple networks on a range of handsets that are compatible handset with internet access via GPRS or 3G.

Richard Freudenstein, Sky’s Chief Operating Officer, said:
“Families’ entertainment needs are changing fast and audiences increasingly expect to be able to access content whenever and wherever they want. From today a Sky digital subscription includes the PC and mobile phone as well as the TV. We are giving millions of viewers the ability to download movies legally or to keep up with Sky on the move.

Sky will use new technologies to stay ahead and give customers more choice and more value. These services are part of a continuing stream of innovations that will create even more reasons to join Sky.”