MUMBAI: British Telecom (BT) has signed a deal with Cartoon Network to license programming and develop interactive content for BT’s next-generation TV offering.

Turner Broadcasting will work with BT to deliver Cartoon Network’s distinctive programming and to develop entirely new interactive offerings. These will be based around Turner properties including games, advertising, sponsorship and other commercial revenue opportunities, all designed around the advanced capabilities of BT’s next-generation TV platform.

Turner’s most popular programming, including The Powerpuff Girls, Codename: Kids Next Door and Dexter’s Laboratory will be also be made available on demand to customers of BT’s new service.

This agreement builds on the content and interactive deals already announced with some of the world’s biggest entertainment companies including BBC Worldwide, Paramount, Warner Music Group, Endemol, National Geographic Channel and kids TV programming leaders Hit Entertainment and Nelvana.

The service will be a world-first, combining access to digital-terrestrial channels through the aerial with broadband-powered video on demand. This combination, delivered on a software platform powered by Microsoft and through a set-top box made by leading manufacturer Philips, will allow customers choice, control and convenience. Unlike other services, there will be no mandatory monthly subscriptions.

BT will unveil further deals this year as it builds to a launch of the service in autumn 2006.

Customers of the service will be able to choose from a range of on-demand film, music and television programming as well as an interactive communications service, all available through their TV sets.

BT Retail chief executive of TV services Dan Marks said, “We are delighted to have completed an agreement with Turner. This agreement will allow BT to deliver Turner’s very fine programming to our customers and will develop new and innovative ways of extending the impact and appeal of that programming for next generation TV. Significantly, our next-generation TV service will be offered nationwide and not restricted to metropolitan areas, and customers will not be required to commit to a monthly subscription.”

“The agreement with BT maximisies all the strengths that Turner values and represents. It is where strong programming and interactive content, packaged under clearly defined channel brands, meet today's technology to give the consumer the ultimate choice and flexibility," said Turner Broadcasting System Europe executive vice president Jeff Kupsky.