Ofcom has re-affirmed its intention to offer a 'new framework for investment' in Britain's broadband networks. The media regulator has challenged the industry to back the proposed rollout of super-fast broadband networks across the UK. Ed Richards, Ofcom chief executive, outlined the proposals and stressed that a regulatory framework would be put in place that […]
Virgin Media has sent out warning letters to 800 of its customers in an attempt to crack down on illegal downloading. The letters are part of a 10-week pilot programme run in conjunction with the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) – the body that represents record companies in the UK. The BPI has been calling on […]
Europe's mobile industry is cutting back spending on new networks and services as a growing regulatory burden from the European Union puts profitability under pressure, according to GSMA, the global trade body for the mobile industry. To justify the imposition of retail price caps, the European Commission has claimed that mobile operators are making excessive […]
In a surprise move News Corp has made a deal to become the minority shareholder in its conditional access subsidiary NDS. Two newcos backed by private equity house Permira will take the business private. The plan is the Permira newcos will own 51 per cent while News will keep 49 per cent. The deal has […]
Mike Darcey, BSkyB COO, says Ofcom seems determined to live in the past and perpetuate a broadcasting model (FTA public service) that may not be suited to supporting new technologies. He said propping up outdating models meant a financial burden on the industry, sapping investment that would otherwise go into content. “It is not the […]
According to China.com, T-MMB was selected as the national standard for mobile television/multimedia at an assessment conference, and will be promulgated as the formal national standard for mobile television and multimedia content. Lou Peide, Secretary General of the China Mobile Communications Association, a professor at Beijing University of Post and Telecommunications, and also promoter of […]
STB makers and pay-TV platforms are considering legal action against the European Commission after a tax ruling left many of them facing millions of pounds in unexpected costs. Basic set-top boxes, which are classified as communications devices, are exempt from tax when imported into the European Union. But a change to the rules last month […]
Federal regulators are beginning an effort to crack down on stealth advertising in television shows, a move aimed at letting consumers know when companies have paid to use their products as props. The FCC is expected to open a formal proceeding about new rules requiring more disclosure of product placement. Regulators say they’ve become more […]
Mediaset-controlled Tele 5 has filed a lawsuit against YouTube accusing the video sharing service of violating intellectual property rights by posting video clips without permission. The TV network has urged YouTube to cease distributing its content on several occasions, according to the channel, but the company has ignored its claims arguing that it is only […]
Former singer Feargal Sharkey used the London Calling music conference to demand a levy on gadgets that allow music to be copied. “To legislate for the copying of a CD on to an iPod might, at this point in the development of humanity, seem like a technical irrelevance, even bizarre. But if successful, this would […]