Teletext has pulled the plug on its news and information services one month earlier than planned. It brings an end to the commercial service on ITV, Channel 4 and Five, which began as the test service Oracle in 1975. The Associated Newspapers-owned Teletext Limited took over after the January 1993 ITV franchise round.
The company is continuing to operate its commercial services including Teletext Holidays, Teletext Cars, Teletext Games and various services for mobile phones. A racing and bookmakers service will also continue on Channel 4.
Switch-off was initially planned to take place in January 2010. According to the company the date was moved forward for operational reasons, though digital TV uptake nudging 90% will not have hindered the decision.
About Julian Clover
"In an industry that experiences rapid change and often a confusing subsequent
constant supply of news, it is often refreshing to read an insightful perspective. Broadband
TV News and its editorial team regularly provide a context and
helpful analysis to breaking news.”
Broadband TV News is the must-read publication for those working in the Business of the Multiscreen Television. We deliver news, insight and data direct to your desktop. As well as our constantly updated website you can sign-up to our Daily and Weekly email bulletins. 
Connected TV Forecasts NEW REPORT. The number of TV sets connected to the Internet will reach 551 million by 2016 for the 40 countries covered in this report from Digital TV Research, up from 124 million at end-2010. The report states that this translates to 20% of global TV sets by 2016, up from only 6% at end-2010. Published in November 2011, this 83-page PDF report is the most geographically comprehensive to ever be published.