Swisscom Intros Betty TV

BERN, Switzerland -- The interactive TV offering "Betty TV" is being launched just in time for the World Cup. The company behind "Betty TV" is Betty TV (Schweiz) AG, founded by Swisscom Fixnet Ltd and headquartered in Zurich. The new subsidiary with 25 employees is looking to build up business in Switzerland with the innovative interactive remote control, "Betty".

Since spring of this year, Swisscom Fixnet has been testing use of the interactive remote control, 'Betty', with around 4,000 households on the TV channels SF 2, RTL, Sat.1, Pro7, Star TV and Tele Bärn. The high level of acceptance by the customers involved prompted Swisscom Fixnet to step up its commitment in this area, resulting in the founding of Betty TV (Schweiz) AG and subsequent market launch in the German-speaking part of Switzerland.

The interactive remote control 'Betty' has its own display and features buttons for direct TV interaction. Betty replaces the conventional type of remote control and its additional offerings provide true added value for customers. The content for the so-called Betty-Events, which include competitions, quiz games, polls, surveys, information and advertising, is compiled in close collaboration with the TV channels. Betty remote controls can be purchased from Swisscom Shops and MediaMarkt for CHF 69. For interested buyers, the Swisscom Online shop has a special offer including an exclusive FIFA World Cup double DVD set.

Betty TV reception is available throughout Switzerland, albeit for the time being in German only. In conjunction with the respective TV channels, work is under way to extend coverage in Italian and French.

Swisscom AG (NYSE: SCM)