The BBC won the UK digital terrestrial television licence in July after applications were invited in May for the licences, which will run for 12 years.
By the closing date of June 13 2002, six applications had been received, including one from ITV companies, Carlton and Granada, in conjunction with Channel 4.
It was a close-run race, with few predicting the outcome, which was a bitter blow for the ITV companies.
ITV's proposal, a joint venture with Channel 4, was made under the name of the Digital Terrestrial Alliance, and offered viewers a free-to-air service with the option of subscribing to a pay-TV option, called Freeview Plus.
There was a concern that the BBC's joint bid with the Rupert Murdoch-owned Sky may have foundered on competition concerns. Commercial broadcasters had argued that BSkyB will gain a pay-TV monopoly if it won.
The ITV bid had against it something much larger -- the failure of ITV Digital and the loss of at least £1.2bn, not to mention bringing the Football League in England to its knees by refusing to honour a three-year broadcasting deal.
Andy Duncan, BBC director of marketing & communications, said: "Freeview will be a fresh start for many consumers. As well as former ITV Digital customers, people who make a one-off equipment cost of around £99 will be able to enjoy this simple, compelling proposition - more high-quality channels, entirely free to view."
He added: "Freeview will also make the BBC's digital channels available to many more licence payers. And the name tells people exactly what's on offer - more TV channels free-to-view."
Crown Castle said today it was on target to add three more channels to the line-up described on July 4 when the ITC announced it was awarding the licences to the consortium.
Peter Abery, Crown Castle's president and managing director, said: "We believe we have a compelling range of channels with the broadest possible appeal to those seeking to extend their viewing choice.
"From favourite genres like history, with the new UK History channel, news from BBC News 24, Sky News and Sky Sports News, and quality children's programmes on CBeebies, Freeview offers something new for viewers who aren't attracted by pay television services but would like more quality TV channels."
If you have an opinion on this or any other issue raised on Brand Republic, join the debate in the .
_1.jpg)
.jpg)
