BT broadband customers able to purchase own YouView boxes

BT broadband customers will be able to purchase YouView set-top boxes from retailers and still access any content that is exclusive to the telecoms giant.

Rival internet service providers (ISPs) BT and TalkTalk will offer broadband customers additional content via their own players, with both companies expected to confirm their pricing in the coming weeks.

Speaking to seenit.co.uk, BT revealed customers who prefer to buy their box from the high street - rather than purchasing it direct from the ISP - will be able to enjoy the full range of programming once the box is hooked up to a BT broadband line.

All boxes it supplies will still work if subscribers switch broadband providers at a later date, the company added, although the BT player offering exclusive content will cease to function.

BT explained: "All other features like the backwards EPG and catch-up players will continue to work."

The impending retail debut of YouView was announced by the venture's chairman Lord Sugar and chief executive Richard Halton earlier this month.

At the time, Lord Sugar described the launch as "a great moment in British television".