Freesat considers move into pay-TV services
Freesat is considering a move into pay-TV channels which could see it offering users the chance to subscribe to Sky Sports 1 and 2.
According to the MediaGuardian, Freesat's board is looking at the possibility of taking advantage of BSkyB's recent reduction of its wholesale prices to other broadcasters, forced on it by industry regulator Ofcom.
Emma Scott, managing director of Freesat, says: "We are looking at pay television. There is a lot of discussion around the Freesat and pay television issues taking place at board level. We haven't taken a final decision."
She says Freesat is watching developments closely, including BT Vision's decision to offer Sky Sports to its customers in time for the new Premier League season.
"My personal view is that it would be odd for Freeview not to offer the option as well," says Scott.
Pay-TV sales would be handled by a third party, with Freesat operating the conditional access system that would underpin it.
If the company decides to go ahead with offering pay TV it will need the approval of the BBC Trust. Freesat was launched as a joint venture between the BBC and ITV in 2008.
Recently, it has come under fire for missing out on a range of channels (particularly high-definition ones) that have gone to other broadcasters such as Sky, Virgin Media, BT Vision and Freeview.
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Comments
I read this and I think to myself #':%&* plus lots of other things.I bought into freesat because they said HD for free.Whats in the news now. All the other providers are going to have the HD Freesat channels we should have had on FREESAT .Just what are Freesat doing.They are silent Very silent. Freesat must learn we need to be informed what is going on and not be silent. What I do find is they are a closed shop.Look at there web site very nice to look at lots of colour and very little content. Just what are you doing FREESAT ? DO TELL ! (please)
All the best Greg.
CH4 HD, CH5 HD & FILM4 HD first please...
I'd like to see them bolster their free HD channels first! I'm definitely not adverse to them adding subscription only HD channels, as long as there's a way to hide them via my set-top box if I choose to.
I know Freesat aren't trying to compete with Sky or Virgin but they could really make more effort to get some more HD into people's homes. There must be channels out there they can sign up? At the moment it's a bit of a joke.
Sounds Good , Would be looking forward to ESPN on freesat
Emma Scotts being saying this for months...
IMO, its a good idea to offer extra content for those willing to pay for it, but there's so many hurdles i dont see it being a reality any time soon!