TeleWest Talks With C5 Break Down

Talks between Channel 5 and TeleWest which would have seen the cable operator retuning videos in its franchise areas have broken down after the two sides failed to agree terms.

As reported on Newsline *Telewest Close To C5 Retune Deal a deal was almost finalised but it is now reported that disagreements over how much C5 would pay TeleWest for each home retuned was the main stumbling block. At the moment an estimated 10 million VCRs which interfere with the C5 signal will have to be retuned by the New Year and recruiting cable companies to retune affected homes in their franchise areas appears to be at least part of the answer to C5’s problem.

It also now emerges that an agreement has been struck between C5 and Nynex Cablecomms in Manchester which will mean Nynex staff retuning about 12,000 homes in that area, though many more companies and franchise areas will have to be enlisted if C5’s task is to be made any easier.

* MediaTel subscribers only

C5: 0171 497 5225

TeleWest: 01483 750900