Arqiva has been awarded the contract to provide the data system at the heart of Freeview’s proposed connected-TV service.

The system, the launch date for which will be announced next year, will allow viewers to watch live programmes and on-demand content via a backwards EPG. Arqiva digital platforms managing director Charles Constable described the deal as “extremely significant” for Arqiva’s Connected Solutions division, which was formed following Arqiva’s acquisition of Capablue.