BT and Top Up TV to offer cut-price Sky Sports channels

BT and Top Up TV are set to launch discount subscriptions to Sky Sky Sports channels in time for the new football season.

Sky Sports 1 is expected to be offered to BT’s existing broadband/DTT customers for around £15 a month, while Top Up TV will offer Sky Sports 1 and 2 for £20 a month, according to reports.

The move will see the channels become available on digital terrestrial television for the first time since ITV Digital went bust in 2002.

Earlier today, BSkyB reached an interim settlement to drop its case to get the Competition Appeals Tribunal to postpone the implementation of Ofcom’s ruling, which will force the company to reduce the amount it charges rival pay-TV operators to offer Sky Sports by up to 20%.

Virgin Media, BT and Top Up TV can make the most of the lower prices for the two sports channels, however, they have agreed to place the difference between the new regulated price and Sky’s original wholesale price in a separate account.

The deal means that if Sky wins the case, which is likely to be heard in September, it can claim the money and increase its prices again.  However, if Sky loses, the three companies will have access to the money.

David Chance, Top Up TV’s chairman, said: “We are pleased that this legal hurdle has been overcome.  Top Up TV will now be able to offer Sky Sports 1 and 2 to Freeview homes at competitive prices, without long term contracts, or a requirement to buy bundled packages of other channels or services.”

A BT spokesperson added: “We are delighted that Ofcom’s decision can be implemented pending the full appeal and that we will be able to bring Sky Sports 1 and 2 to customers in time for the 2010/11 Premier League football season this summer.”