Advanced Television

Regulation

CNMC removes restrictions on Telefónica’s FTTH network

Spain’s CNMC has approved the full deregulation of the country’s fixed residential broadband market, most of which relies on modern fibre-optic networks. Under the new framework, Telefónica will no longer be obliged to grant competitors regulated access to its network in certain municipalities. Instead, the company will be free to negotiate wholesale agreements on market […]

August 13, 2025From David Del Valle in Madrid

VodafoneThree ramps up network integration

Using its ‘Multi-Operator Core Network’ technology, VodafoneThree has already switched on over 600 sites, representing the next stage of the telco’s £11 billion investment programme. This means customers’ devices will automatically connect to the best coverage available – whether that’s on the Vodafone or Three network – effectively giving them access to two networks at […]

August 12, 2025

La Liga warns of illegal broadcast dangers

As the new 2025/26 football season kicks off, Spain’s top flight football league La Liga is renewing its commitment to combat audiovisual piracy, the biggest threat to the sports and entertainment industry. Spanish football clubs alone lose an estimated €600 million to €700 million annually as a result of illegal broadcasts. But the damage goes […]

August 11, 2025By Colin Mann

Mediavine calls for AI copyright protections

Ad management firm Mediavine has submitted an official letter to the US Copyright Office, demanding urgent action for more robust copyright protections for content creators in the age of generative AI. Mediavine, which represents over 17,000 independent digital publishers, has also launched a Change.org petition, urging industry leaders and consumers to join forces in protecting creators from the […]

August 8, 2025By Colin Mann

Malaysia: Heavy fine in Astro piracy case

A Johor-based home rental operator has agreed to pay RM70,000 (€14,200) in total compensation after admitting to illegally streaming Astro Malaysia Holdings Berhad’s content to guests. This marks the first time Measat Broadcast Systems Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Astro, has resolved a piracy case involving a short-term rental business. The operator, trading under The […]

August 8, 2025By Colin Mann

FCC’S Gomez speaks out against digital divide roll back

FCC Commissioner Anna M Gomez has spoken out after the FCC launched a proceeding that she suggests may roll back progress made to close the digital divide as part of the agency’s Section 706 annual reporting. In a statement, she said: “While I have concerns over the potential change of direction this FCC may soon […]

August 7, 2025By Colin Mann

Ghana demands Multichoice price cuts

Ghana’s state-owned newspaper, the Daily Graphic, has quoted the country’s minister of communication, digital technology innovation Samuel Nartey George, and saying that MultiChoice must immediately cut its DStv fees by 30 per cent. Failure will mean MultiChoice could lose its transmission licence. The Ministry will start proceedings against MultiChoice arguing that consumers “have been cheated […]

August 7, 2025By Chris Forrester

ACE shutters NC-based IPTV service

Building on its global efforts to combat illegal streaming operations, antipiracy coalition the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE) has reached a settlement with the operators of Rare Breed IPTV. As part of the agreement, the operators will permanently shut down their illegal service and pay a significant financial settlement. Rare Breed IPTV was an […]

August 7, 2025By Colin Mann

AST SpaceMobile secures global S-band spectrum

Texas-based AST SpaceMobile has struck an agreement with the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) for global S-band priority transmission rights. Under the deal, AST will acquire Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) spectrum rights in the 1980–2010 MHz and 2170–2200 MHz frequency bands for use in low-earth orbit. The transaction aligns with the company’s 3GPP global spectrum framework […]

August 7, 2025By Chris Forrester

VSF releases specs for RIST Satellite-Hybrid: In Band Method

The Video Services Forum (VSF) has further enhanced the Reliable Internet Streaming Transport (RIST) protocol by incorporating a new feature, RIST Satellite-Hybrid: In Band Method. This feature can be used to augment satellite distribution, using the Internet as a recovery mechanism for data that is corrupted or lost in the space segment. This is important […]

August 7, 2025