19 December 2007
Ofcom yesterday published the results of its latest investigation into the pay-TV market, which was brought about by broadcasters in the sector making a complaint about Sky's "anti-competitive" practices.
The industry regulator agreed that there remain "warning signs" of consumer choice being limited by the firm - but also said that the industry was growing strongly and overall gave a good service.
Ofcom pointed out that the UK currently has 11 million pay-TV customers, including those using cable and digital satellite services - and that the sector produces annual revenues of £4 billion.
The regulator expressed concern, however, about firms not making their premium content available to others - and about whether or not such content is being competed for effectively at wholesale level.
The original complaint to Ofcom which triggered the investigation earlier this year - from BT, Setanta and Virgin Media - was made in the hope that Sky would be referred to the Competition Commission for breaches of the Enterprise Act.
This followed a series of skirmishes between the firms over issues such as provision of Premiership football TV rights and whether or not some Sky channels could be broadcast on cable TV services.
Ofcom also said that it would publish the results on the industry early next year, signifying that its pay-TV investigation is ongoing.