Softbank tunes in to TV helpline

The firm has teamed up with BSkyB to give advice on The ComputerChannel

Support dealer Softbank PSC has joined up with BSkyB for the launch of its family IT show, The Computer Channel, to provide viewers with a helpline during the programme.

The support service, called PC Help!, will be promoted throughout the shows so that customers can ring up the PSC support desk for free advice.

The Watford-based firm is hoping the exposure will bring additional business through a subscription service which will give viewers access to support outside the daily two-hour slot. Prices start at #5.99 a month. Reseller firm Habitech is also in on the act as it will be featured in one of the early episodes.

Howard Sarna, joint CEO of Softbank, said: 'We've got 250 agents taking calls all the time, so this is just an extension of our service. We'll commit as many staff as needed to BSkyB. It's our first time on TV.'

The programme is designed to make IT easy for everybody and will include sections on computer games, gossip from Silicon Valley, a technical guide and a basic family guide to IT.

Presenters include father of three Will Hanrahan, a former presenter on Good Morning with Ann and Nick, and former Byker Grove star, 17-year-old Donna Air, who will cover the programme's games section.

The Computer Channel starts at the beginning of November, and broadcasts from six until eight each evening.

Support dealer Softbank PSC is part of Softbank Services Group, a provider of oursourcing services. Customers include AST, Autodesk, Claris and Lexmark.

Japanese firm Softbank Corporation is the majority shareholder in Softbank Services Group. Softbank PSC claims to solve 95 per cent of all problems on the first call.