Author: Ted Hall
BT’s ‘free’ premium-sports strategy refutes established pay-TV and multiplay market truths
BT’s announcement that it will offer its forthcoming premium-sports channels free of charge to all of its broadband customers lays down the gauntlet in what is set to be a ferocious tussle between the UK’s largest telco and dominant pay-TV provider Sky. The DTH operator recently labeled BT a “gorilla in puppy’s clothing,” and with… Read more
Cable Congress 2013: No denying cable’s good health, but challenges must not be underestimated
When attending a European cable conference, in particular the industry’s flagship Cable Congress event, held in London last week, one must be mindful that the view from the inside rarely offers a wholly balanced assessment of the challenges facing Europe’s cable sector. As expected, the industry’s top executives once again delivered a message of rude… Read more
Virgin Media acquisition cements Liberty’s cable empire and causes a new headache for Sky
The news that Liberty Global has secured a deal to acquire Virgin Media for US$23.3 billion signals a change atop the global pay-TV hierarchy: The long-time No. 2 cable operator and dominant European player will now overtake US giant Comcast and become the world’s largest cable MSO. The UK represents the last major European cable… Read more
