Ericsson has been selected to design, build and run a range of new services for BT Sport, including three new BT Sport TV channels and a multiscreen, interactive red button service.
The deal includes BT Sport UHD, the first ultra-high-definition channel to launch in the UK.
BT’s existing six-year deal for BT Sport 1 and 2 has been extended by a further two years.
Ericsson will be responsible for designing, building and running BT Sport Europe, free-to-air service BT Sport Showcase, and BT Sport UHD.
Jamie Hindhaugh, COO, BT Sport and BT TV, said: “BT Sport’s UEFA Champions League coverage sets out to bring viewers the best ever experience of football’s leading club competition. Our 4K coverage of the UEFA Champions League alongside other competitions will bring a truly cinematic experience into fans’ living rooms.”
Thorsten Sauer, Head of Broadcast and Media Services at Ericsson, says: “We are very proud that BT has selected Ericsson to help launch a new range of high-profile TV services, including the UK’s first UHDTV channel. BT Sport has made a significant commitment to its sport broadcasting portfolio, and we are delighted that Ericsson will play an integral role in its future success. This partnership is a significant win for our business and really underlines our role as a trusted partner to some of the world’s leading broadcasters and sports rights holders. We will continue to work hard to deliver high-quality, innovative services.”
BT’s Ultra HD channel will launch this August. The service will debut with the Community Shield, the traditional curtain raiser to the English football season, and later include selected games from the UEFA Champions League, Barclays Premier League, FA Cup and Aviva Premiership Rugby.
