SUSSEX cable TV subscribers could soon be able to surf the internet on their TV sets.

Cable and Wireless Communications, owner of the Nynex cable network, has announced a major order for internet software for digital TV equipment. The set-top boxes, which will become available to Cable and Wireless subscribers in the autumn, will give access to up to 200 TV channels. They will also provide interactive services such as video on demand and access to the internet. The deal with Netscape is part of a £100 million investment in digital TV by Cable and Wireless. Graham Wallace, chief executive of Cable and Wireless Communications declined to reveal how many boxes the company had ordered. But he estimated that to reach target penetration 1.5 million units will be needed. Cable customers will not have to purchase set-top boxes. Instead the systems will be provided as part of the service agreement with CWC. Netscape will regard the CWC deal as a major coup in its efforts to hold onto its position as the world's leading internet browser company.

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