LONDON: Competing Internet access providers NTL Internet and WebTV have appointed public relations agencies to launch mass-market Internet products in the UK.

NTL has hired Larkspur Communications while Web-TV has appointed Red Consultancy.

Both are charged with tapping into the unknown but potentially vast market, where consumers can use Internet facilities for services such as home shopping and e-mail, without the need for a home computer.

The companies have built thousands of set-top boxes which will allow access to service ...