Analysts reckon a takeover of Easynet will allow BSkyB to broadcast some of its programs via the Internet--ready for the future when television content will be piped via broadband connections to computers.
At that time, Easynet provided 20% of the broadband coverage to U.K. homes and BSkyB has since increased that to 60%, with a view to reach 70% by the end of this year.
And Easynet, whose shares were up 20% in early trading on the London stock exchange--hot on the heels of a 10% increase on Friday--confirmed it had received a bid, but was mum on its source.