Sky today confirmed that it is planning to launch a high-definition television service in May, in time for this summer's Fifa World Cup. 

The new service will cost £299 to buy the Sky HD box, as well as a £10 monthly subscription charge on top of a user's existing subscription. 

"Sky is just weeks away from an exciting new era that will transform the television viewing experience," said Brian Sullivan, Sky's director of customer products and services.

Customers will be able to choose from the widest range of HD channels in the UK and Ireland, according to Sullivan, including free viewing of the BBC's HD coverage of the World Cup in June and the Wimbledon tennis tournament. 

"We are delighted that the BBC has said that its HD coverage of the World Cup will be available to all customers with a Sky HD box as a non-subscription channel," said Sullivan.

However, rival cable television service Telewest has had its HDTV service up and running since March. 

"Britain's first HDTV service is already available to over four and a half million Telewest homes," said a spokesman for Telewest.

"High definition TV is set to transform the way we watch TV this year and consumers will be shopping around for the best deal.

"With a whopping £300 upfront fee, plus a £10 monthly subscription, you will be paying through the nose to access Sky's forthcoming high-definition service. "

Telewest currently offers HD programming only on BBC Worldwide, with pay-per-view movies expected to be added soon.

Sky plans to make next season's Premiership, Coca-Cola League and Carling Cup football matches available on HDTV, as well as the England cricket team's one day internationals and home tests, and Guinness Premiership rugby matches. 

On top of its sports coverage, the BBC's trial of HDTV services will include natural history series Planet Earth and Galapagos, as well as the upcoming docudrama Hannibal.