Several UK Internet service providers have refused to sign a code of conduct designed to guarantee “full and open access” to the net. Ten ISPs including BT, O2 and TalkTalk backed the agreement, promising not to restrict or block content unless there was a reason to deploy “reasonable traffic management practices”. But Virgin Media said […]
Virgin Media has been told to stop claiming its fibre broadband lets users “say bye-bye to buffering”, after a complaint from BT. BT complained to the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) about an ad featuring sprinter Usain Bolt, in which Virgin suggests its service would eliminate buffering. Virgin said it considered the claim to be puffery […]
UK comms regulator Ofcom has announced details of what it says will be the largest ever auction of spectrum for mobile services in the UK, which is set to get under way by the end of 2012, preparing the way for next-generation 4G networks to be rolled out in 2013. The auction will offer the […]
The European Commission has launched a public consultation seeking answers to questions on transparency, switching and certain aspects of Internet traffic management, with a view to its commitment to preserve the open and neutral character of the Internet. The Commission notes that such questions have emerged as key issues in the ‘net neutrality’ debate that […]
A meeting of cable operators in the Southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, organised by the local TV Operators & Consumers’ Welfare Assoc, complained that there are many illegal cable re-distributors operating in the region. Additionally, it was alleged that some illegal cable operators had bribed officials. The Association submitted a formal petition to government […]
Satellite operator Eutelsat has lost power from six full transponders on its Eutelsat-25A craft which mainly serves the Middle East. The loss has been confirmed by France’s National Frequency Agency and Eutelsat itself. The interference has been in effect since July 14. The French agency says it has made a formal complaint to the International […]
Google may have to make changes to its Android phones as part of a settlement brokered with Brussels over its alleged anti-competitive behaviour. Google has proposed making changes to the way it handles search to head off a lengthy court case and large fines. Brussels acceptance of the proposal hinges on the changes being extended […]
Fitch Ratings believes if online TV providers are not required by law to pay re-transmission consent fees to the stations they are streaming, cable operators and others will gain material negotiating leverage with broadcasters. Last week, a Federal judge in New York rejected a request for a preliminary injunction filed by major US broadcasters against […]
Spanish broadcaster Antena 3 TV has rejected the tough limits imposed by the competition watchdog CNC on the grounds that are “unfair and discriminatory conditions” only to the benefit of rival Mediaset’s dominance in the market. Antena 3 is now reconsidering its merger plans with La Sexta as, it said, “under the umbrella of defense of […]
India’s media regulator says it is prepared to talk about its proposed new rules which limit the number of minutes/hour available for advertising on its TV networks. TRAI has set tough new rules coving on-screen advertising, limiting ad-breaks, and cutting some ad-breaks completely. TRAI also wants to outlaw most ad-based screen ‘clutter’ especially the banners […]