BT Group unveils 3 content partners for IPTV

Against the backdrop of a failed NTL takeover of Virgin Mobile, the BT Group unveiled content partnerships for its planned IPTV service with Paramount, Warner Music Group and BBC Worldwide. The deal with Paramount will include pay-per-view movies and VOD programming pulling from the studio's archives. Paramount is a subsidiary of Viacom. Warner Music Group will bring its music videos to the service. BBC Worldwide's agreement allows VOD rights for BBC programs. BT said it plans to announce more content distribution deals later this month. BT and rival BSkyB are both looking to launch triple play offerings next year while facing stiff competition from NTL as it looks to expand its triple play into a quadruple with the possible acquisition of Virgin Mobile. BT plans to launch its IPTV service next fall using its Freeview digital platform.

For more on BT Group's content deals:
- check out this article from AP