“For the North East it means renewing and extending our commitment to the call centres and consumer service centre that we run in the region.”

According to BT, the plans, known as Project Canvas, will also bring opportunities for advertisers, network and platform operators, software companies and electronics makers.

BT also believes the project will help create a level playing field for broadcasters, content owners, manufacturers and internet providers and will encourage more people to go online.

The BBC estimates that set top boxes would costs consumers between £100 and £200, while users would also be expected to pay an internet supplier for broadband access.

Earlier this year Newcastle-based film production firm Dene Group revealed plans to create new jobs and a new division to place itself at the forefront of the impending internet TV revolution.

An increasing number of TV sets rolling off the production line this year will come with a built-in ethernet port ahead of the dawn of the age of IPTV – a service which is expected to be taken up in 22m European homes by 2012.

It is aiming to tap into the emerging market by creating a new division which will focus solely on projects in the sector, such as producing online archive footage for broadcasters or films for corporate clients.

For the North East it means renewing and extending our commitment to the call centres and consumer service centre.