The BBC’s two subscription channels, U&GOLD and U&alibi, will remain available to Virgin Media O2’s TV customers after the two firms agreed a multi-year renewal of their carriage agreement.
Viewers will also have continued access to the BBC’s advert funded channels U&Dave, U&DRAMA, U&W, U&YESTERDAY and U&eden, and the new deal will see its commercial streaming service U become available to “almost all” Virgin TV homes this year.
It’s currently available to Virgin Media customers with a Stream or Virgin TV 360 box.
The channels and streaming service are owned and operated by UKTV, a fully owned BBC business and part of its BBC Studios operation.
Following its wider rollout, U will become “the primary platform for Virgin TV customers to enjoy UKTV’s free-to-air on demand content”.
Virgin Media customers also have access to UKTV’s themed FAST channels, U&LAUGHS, U&Transport, U&Real Heroes and U&The Past.
Sam Tewungwa, Managing Director, UKTV, said: “This deal marks the next chapter in UKTV’s valuable longstanding partnership with Virgin Media O2.
“We are delighted to be expanding our offer for customers, complementing the brilliant channels and programming for which we are renowned with access to our U streaming app and growing suite of FAST channels.”
David Bouchier, Chief TV & Entertainment Officer, Virgin Media O2, added: “This deal demonstrates the evolution of our fantastic partnership with UKTV and brings brilliant updates for our customers.”