In the two and a half years since Ofcom’s pay TV decision, consumers have benefited from greater choice and innovation through wider availability of premium content. We are pleased with this outcome, which has offered real benefits for consumers.
Consumers can access Sky Sports 1 and 2 through BT Vision’s platform and through Top Up TV as a direct result of our must-offer obligation on Sky. Virgin Media’s cable TV customers can also subscribe to high-definition versions of these channels. We welcome also Sky’s agreement to make its premium sports channels available through TalkTalk’s new TV service, which we see as a further positive development.
Ofcom is pleased that the Tribunal has agreed with us that we have the power to impose a wholesale must-offer remedy. While the Tribunal and Ofcom have reached different conclusions as to Sky’s historic behaviour, what matters now is Sky’s future behaviour. If Sky does now act as a willing wholesaler, then this should have a positive impact on competition and offer benefits for consumers. Here to read more.
