BT says that it will use its low-cost Plusnet brand to launch a low-cost offer for the YouView broadband platform that will compete with TalkTalk.
From what was effectively a standing start, TalkTalk has secured 500,000 TV customers – more than BT has moved to YouView.
“If you want to be a scale player in the broadband industry, you have to have a triple-play offering,” chief executive Gavin Patterson, told the Financial Times “Providing a TV alternative?.?.?.?for Plusnet is definitely part of our plans.”
Plusnet started life in 1997, based in Sheffield, South Yorkshire. It floated on the alternative investment market in July 2004 and was acquired by BT three years later, though still operates independently.
Plusnet also operates the Metronet brand in the UK.