Sky Sports 1 and 2 launching on UK DTT

Top Up TV, the operator of the pay-TV component of the UK digital terrestrial service Freeview, is adding the Sky Sports 1 and Sky Sports 2 channels to its sports package. The deal marks the first time that the channels will have been carried on DTT and is possible because of a UK regulatory ruling forcing BSkyB to wholesale its channels to third parties at lower rates than was previously the case.

The new sports pack will launch August 2. As well as the Sky channels it will include the ESPN channel. Sky and ESPN have, between them, rights to all televised English Premier League soccer games.

Sky Sports 1 will cost £22.99 (€27.11) a month via Top Up TV and Sky Sports 1 & 2 combined £31.99 a month. Sky Sports 1 & 2 and ESPN will cost £39.99 a month. Top Up TV will also offer Sky Sports 1 & 2 free for the first month with no obligation to a contract if you subscribe before 6th September 2010.