Dutch cable operator Ziggo has commercially launched a new networked home support service, Service Plus. It is available to all subscribers.

The new service will offer support to customers covering areas including in-home wiring, computer problems, how to eliminate cables and how to mount an LCD screen or where to place electrical outlets.

The Service Plus call centre will be open to 20.00 on weekdays and 18.00 on Saturdays. If problems can be solved over the phone, the customer will play only the call charge of €0.65 a minute. If a service visit is required, this will be charged at €50 for the first 45 minutes and €15 for each quarter-hour thereafter. Customers will not have to pay anything if the service representative fails to solve the problem.

The question of whether operators should support home networking and whether this represents a market opportunity has been widely discussed over the past few years. Ziggo’s move highlights the possibility, open to service providers, of offering support in this area as a value-added service to subscribers.

Separately, Ziggo has added five new channels to its basic digital package: E! Entertainment, ESPN America, Weer en Verkeer (weather and traffic news), Zappelin 24 (kids) and Familie 24 (parents), with the latter two time-sharing a slot.