BSkyB launching Netflix rival

BSkyB will launch a new internet TV service, giving people who don’t already subscribe to its existing satellite pay TV service the option to take the movie-oriented online-only service.

The internet TV service, which will launch in the first half of this year, will not require subscribers to sign up to a minimum contract and users will be able to choose from a variety of payment options, including monthly for unlimited access to Sky Movies or to rent on an à la carte basis.

The service will provide access to a range of Sky content beginning with Sky Movies. Sport and entertainment programming will follow.

It will be available across connected devices including PCs, Macs, laptops, tablets, mobile phones, games consoles and connected TVs.

The new service is seen as a reaction to the UK launch of Netflix, appealing to viewers who do not want to sign up to a full-fledged pay TV option. Sky will continue to offer its recently launched Sky Go place-shifting service as a bonus to existing Sky pay TV subscribers.