IBM and Newham partner on community TV

IBM and Newham Borough Council in London are working together to provide digital TV services for the local community.

The RegenTV scheme will enable residents of the borough to access digital channels and internet and email services via their television set. They will also be able to make use of services aimed at the local community such as council information, interactive advice channels and virtual learning programmes in subjects such as IT.

The service will also enable Newham to bridge a digital divide which otherwise may see it left behind by the move online which is being driven by the government and its plans for a digital Britain by 2005.

Sir Robin Wales, Mayor of Newham says: "RegenTV is one of the most innovative developments taking place in the borough and I am proud that Newham Council is part of it. Access to information and ICT is vital to the development of any community as it breaks down barriers and enhances social inclusion."

Geoff Connell, project executive at Newham Council, told silicon.com the scheme is already starting to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in the area, attributing this to the greater sense of "social inclusion" which it creates.

"Newham is a very poor area," said Connell. "It's the fifth poorest area in the country and this scheme should prove an important initiative in bridging the digital divide from which the area suffers."

Connell said the system also gives people access to a range of PC applications which they can access via the digital TV box and use with a keyboard and mouse. He said it will prove useful for schoolchildren who will be able to type up their homework and save it centrally to access either at home or at school.

"There will be no more 'my dog ate my homework' excuses," he added.

So far the scheme has been trialled on 500 residents in the borough and has seen massive interest, with a 70 per cent take-up rate.

RegenTV runs on Linux software and will be seen as further proof of the potential benefits of open standards to less privileged communities.