Telecom Italia teaming up with Rupert Murdoch's networks

(ANSA) - Milan, April 10 - Telecom Italia said Thursday it is joining forces with business magnate Rupert Murdoch to offer subscribers an Internet-based television service as an alternative to satellite TV.
    The agreement between Telecom Italia and Murdoch's Sky service takes effect next year, giving the Italian telecommunication firm's clients who have a "My Sky" HD decoder access to all of Sky Italia's TV programs over the Internet.
    Telecom said it will enhance its infrastructure, including fibre optic developments, to allow subscribers access to about 180 Sky channels.
    As well, Telecom Italia's mobile phone customers could have access to Sky TG24 news channel on their tablets and smartphones.
    "We strongly believe that one of the main drivers of our business is represented by the development of innovative services, especially in entertainment for the consumer market," said Marco Patuano, chief executive officer of Telecom Italia.
    "Until now, satellite was the only technology able to bring our entire range (of programming)," said Andrea Zappia CEO of Sky Italy.
    "We are convinced that such a great partnership with Telecom is an opportunity to expand the customer base of pay TV (in Italy)," said Zappia.