Ban On TV Via Phone To Stay

Any early lifting of the ban on BT carrying entertainment over its network was ruled out yesterday. Patrick McLoughlin, communications minister, told the Commons trade and industry committee that “Any premature review of that policy would have a devastating impact on the investment of the cable companies.” At present the ban on BT providing entertainment through the telephone network will not be lifted until 2001 at the earliest.

He rejected allegations that the policy discriminated against BT because the company was free to apply for cable television franchises if it wished.