“Virgin Media Partners with Rakuten for New TV Channels”

Virgin Media is introducing new bonus channels to its TV platform, providing customers with additional drama, comedy, and sci-fi content. The telecoms giant is partnering with Rakuten to launch three Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television (FAST) channels this month.

The new channels include Rakuten TV Drama on Ch462, offering popular movies like The Big Short and Gosford Park. Rakuten TV Comedy on Ch463 features films such as Big Momma’s House and The Internship, providing viewers with beloved comedies. Lastly, Rakuten TV: Sci-Fi on Ch464 offers a variety of content from different worlds.

The upgrade will be automatically added to Virgin TV 360 and Flex, requiring no action from customers. The channels are easily accessible through Virgin Media’s TV guide and can be found using voice control.

David Bouchier, Chief TV and Entertainment Officer at Virgin Media O2, expressed excitement about the new streaming channels, emphasizing the value they bring to customers. With this addition, Virgin TV customers now have access to a total of 40 FAST channels, enhancing their entertainment options.

While a monthly subscription fee is necessary for Virgin Media TV, the expanded channel lineup surpasses what is available through free services.