BT Calls For TV Rights On Network

Sir Iain Vallance, Chairman of BT, has called for an urgent change in Government policy that would allow the company to deliver television services via a fibre-optic network. Sir Iain, talking to the Trade and Industry Select Committee, said that uncertainty over the entertainment ban was hampering BT in its investment planning, and that Britain risks losing out to international competitors in the information revolution.

However, the government has ruled out any lifting of the ban on BT carrying television broadcasts. The telecommunications minister, Patrick McLoughlin, has written to the Cable Television Association to reaffirm the government’s commitment to maintaining the restrictions on BT. However, it appears not to extend to video on demand.