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.
