Microsoft Corp. and BT today announced BT�s intention to use the Microsoft� TV Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) Edition software platform to deliver TV over broadband in the United Kingdom. The announcement further strengthens Microsoft�s continued commitment to working with the world�s leading network operators to bring next-generation television services to consumers.

BT plans to trial TV over broadband services powered by Microsoft TV IPTV Edition in early 2006, with delivery of a commercial service expected to begin in the summer of 2006.

�BT continues to demonstrate its commitment to broadband in the U.K. through the development of a portfolio of innovative broadband services designed to deliver more and more value to our customers,� said Gavin Patterson, group managing director of BT Retail. �BT and Microsoft share a common vision for converged entertainment in the home. TV over broadband services will play an important role in BT�s triple-play offering for consumers. Our approach of over-the-air broadcast and broadband-delivered video-on-demand, interactivity and enhanced support is the perfect solution and complements existing TV propositions already in the U.K. market. The combination of Microsoft�s best-in-class technology with BT�s 21st-century network will result in an incredibly exciting set of next-generation entertainment and communication services available to consumers across the U.K.�