But consumers are being warned to be wary of the new services until the companies involved have proved they can meet demand and the technology has stabilised. At the moment, details of both services are sketchy but they are expected to launch before Christmas to catch the prime shopping season. Kingston Interactive TV which costs around 15 per month and uses high speed connections to connect subscribers to the net. NTL offers an internet TV service for 20 per month which covers the rental of a set-top box and access to interactive services. Bush internet TV which lets people surf the net using a 170 or an 80 set-top box.
Users have to pay call charges while online.
Net TV times two Powerchannel, backed by Granada, is planning to launch later this year and is expected to ask consumers for a payment of about 30 deposit to subscribe to the service. Every month, Powerchannel subscribers will be asked to fill in a questionnaire which the company will use to target adverts at them. The information will also be sold on to marketing firms. Peter Mowlam, marketing director for Powerchannel, said the company was planning to launch before the end of the year and would unveil its partners at that time. He said it was planning to attract subscribers by giving discounts and privileged access to goods and special offers.