The BBC has been given the go-ahead for a project which could kick-start demand for internet TV.
Project Canvas is a partnership between the BBC, ITV, BT, Five, Channel 4 and TalkTalk to develop a so-called Internet Protocol Television standard.
The BBC Trust - the corporation's governing body - made its decision after extensive consultation.
The trust's Diane Coyle said the partnership "will deliver significant public value for licence fee payers".
The trust will review the BBC's involvement against the conditions of its approval, 12 months after Canvas launches to consumers.
The service will see a range of set-top boxes available to access on-demand TV services such as iPlayer and ITVplayer.
Project director Richard Halton said he was "delighted" by the trust's decision.
"This brings the benefits of next-generation TV to all consumers, including those who choose not to subscribe to pay-TV," he said.
"We look forward to rising to that challenge".
