UK building society Nationwide has launched an Internet banking service available through television sets.
Members can access the service through a set top box, which also opens on to the Internet and e-mail. Supported boxes include Bush Internet, and iTV Active.
Users can view account balances and statements, transfer money between Nationwide accounts and order a new or replacement PIN number. In addition, they can view details of Nationwide’s products and services.
Jim Willens, Nationwide's e-commerce director, says: "TV banking complements our extensive range of access channels. Members can now access their accounts in branches, by phone or post, via the Internet using a PC or MAC, with WAP phones and PocketPC PDAs and now through their televisions."
To coincide with the launch, Bush Internet is offering set top boxes to Nationwide members enabling them to get online for only £29.99.
Michele Stitz, Bush Internet's commercial director, comments: "In a recent survey, over 70% of Bush Internet customers requested internet banking."
According to Gartner, more than 15 million households will be able to access the Internet via their television by 2003.