Virgin Media signs up as UK ISP partner for PlayStation 4

Virgin Media is teaming up with Sony as the UK internet service provider (ISP) partner for PlayStation 4, which Sony announced yesterday would launch globally in November. 

Sony said that alongside Virgin Media, it was introducing “VIP broadband” for the PS4 with a selection of other European partners, including Deutche Telekom in Germany, Orange in France, ONO in Spain and MEO in Portugal.

“We’re already hard at work with them to make this the best entertainment experience for gamers across the country,” said Virgin Media, claiming there will be “loads of exciting benefits for our customers.” However it said further details were “under wraps for the time being.”

The news came as Sony announced at the Gamescom conference in Cologne that the new version of its PlayStation console would launch across Europe, Australia, New Zealand and in 10 Latin American countries on November 29. It will be available in the US and Canada on November 15.

Sony said earlier this year that the new PS4 console would cost US$399 in the US and €399 in Europe when it launches – undercutting Microsoft’s new Xbox One by US$100 (€75).

Announcing more details yesterday, Sony said it will offer a PlayStation Plus service “for just over €4 a month” that will give gamers access to features including cloud storage, online multiplayer options and new games.

“You’ll also have noticed that we recognised the expectation that consumers will want to use their consoles to watch movies, catch up on TV and listen to music. With that in mind, we announced through the PlayStation Network that over 15 video services and applications are coming to PS4 including Watchever, Maxdome, Wuaki, TotalChannel, RTBF, Ximon, Pather, Tvigle, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport, BBC News, NowTV, Five, FilmoTV, Jook, GameOne, Vidzone and IGN,” said Sony.

At the same time it said it was dropping the price of its existing PS Vita and PlayStation 3 consoles from this week. The PS Vita and PS Vita Memory Card will be reduced to €199.99 and PS3 will retail at €199.99.