DTI Publishes Further Details On Digital Television

The DTI has published the long-awaited guidelines on digital television which gives broadcasters access to the set top boxes. The rules are said to allow access on fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory means, once they are available on the market.

There is still a final consultation period that is carrying on until December 11^th with the Government aiming to make final drafts of the regulations and the Licence available to Parliament before the Christmas recess.

The proposals have met with a mixed response from broadcasters, with the BBC in particular saying the rules would not be enough to ensure fair and open competition. John Birt, Director General of the BBC, said: “The Government’s approach addresses some, but not all of the risks of one company dominating the supply of digital services into the home, restricting competition and slowing market development.”

Oftel wanted clarification on what “fair and reasonable access” should be, rules on electronic programme guides, the use by individual broadcasters of their own subscription cards to offer their own programme service, the extent to which sales of set top boxes can be subsidised to kick start the market.

Welcoming the draft regulations, National Heritage Secretary, Virginia Bottomley said: “They give clear notice that any unfair anti-competitive behaviour by dominant players in the conditional access market will be prevented.”

Copies of the consultation documents may be obtained from the DTI..

DTI: 0171 215 6405