UKplus, the search guide for UK users of the Web, has announced that it will be the search service for NetChannel, the first TV Internet service in the UK, to be launched nationwide on 1 October 1997.

NetChannel enables full access to the Internet via a standard television and telephone line. Access is managed by a low-cost set-top box, and controlled by an infra-red handset or mini-keyboard.

UKplus will provide the Web search facility for NetChannel. Viewers will have access to the site reviews written by the team of experienced journalists at UKplus, guiding them to the quality sites that are most relevant for British surfers.

"There are two main reasons why UKplus was the obvious choice for NetChannel," said Peter Boreland, Managing Director of NetChannel Europe. "Firstly, we share a mission to bring the very best of the Web to our users. We like the emphasis that UKplus places on quality, and the added-value that its editorial review process brings to Internet browsing.

"Secondly, UKplus is similar to NetChannel in that it is taking a global phenomenon and applying it in a local context. We think that our audience will appreciate the home-grown nature of UKplus."

Paul Zwillenberg, Managing Director of Associated Electronic Publishing, said: "We're delighted to be working with NetChannel. We have always pursued a strategy of allying with the best-of-class in Internet distribution, and we feel that NetChannel's formula of quality and ease-of-use is a world leader."

NetChannel is currently undergoing trials in south-east England.

About UKplus

UKplus is the search guide for UK users of the World Wide Web. Compiled by a team of experienced journalists, UKplus features concise reviews of the best sites on the Web, hand-picked for their relevance to UK surfers. This emphasis on quality, together with the jargon-free and user-friendly format, makes UKplus the quickest and easiest way for a UK surfer to browse the Web. UKplus was launched in January 1997 by Associated Electronic Publishing, the new media arm of Associated Newspapers.

About Netchannel UK

NetChannel UK is a wholly owned subsidiary of NetChannel Inc, the world's first mass market Television Service Provider (TVSP). The parent company was founded in May 1996 and now employs a staff of over 100 with offices in San Francisco, California and Atlanta, Georgia in the USA, and in London, England. NetChannel UK began operations from its offices in Knightsbridge, central London, in January 1997. The company currently employs over 25 staff and its offices serve as both a business development and a technical centre for its European operations.