BBC approves Project Canvas web TV service with conditions
updated 11:35 am EDT, Fri June 25, 2010
BBC trust approves Project Canvas, due in spring
The BBC's controlling trust on Friday approved Project Canvas but imposed a few important conditions. These include free-to-air access, access to the platform for content providers and ISPs and industry consultation. Project Canvas is a joint web TV venture between the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Five, BT, TalkTalk and Arqiva that would bring Internet content to the TV
BBC Trust added that the BBC will not pay out more than 20 percent more than its estimated costs for the project over a five-year period. The project will also have to follow laws touching on competition, state aid and other terms.
Once Project Canvas is launched, Internet users will have access to on-demand content that includes BBC iPlayer for free through their TV sets.
The service is expected to launch next spring.
