The BT Group, a UK telecom operator, has said it will use Microsoft's internet television software to deliver videos over broadband lines in the UK. The deal is important because Microsoft's TV (IPTV) software enables telecom carriers to offer a wide range of advanced broadband video and other services in direct competition with cable TV groups. The company has been trying to win customers for the technology for some time. In addition to BT, Microsoft has deals in Europe with Swisscom, Telecom Italia and Deutsche Telekom's T-online France unit. However, Swisscom and BT are the only European customers so far to have confirmed that they are planning to use the technology for a commercial launch.