Ofcom has rejected a call from telecommunications company BT to include a full investigation into the country’s pay-television market as part of the UK media regulator’s ongoing digital communications review.
The review is looking at the impact on competition of bundling channels, including sports channels, with broadband packages, as well as how easy it is for pay-television subscribers to switch providers.
The first phase of the review was published on Thursday. However, an Ofcom spokesperson told the Guardian newspaper that the review “is not a detailed review of pay-TV, but it does provide an opportunity for us to stand back and look at the question of bundles generally.”
A BT spokesperson added: “Ofcom have overseen a regime that has balanced investment with competition and we hope they will once again put the needs of the UK and its consumers ahead of those who have tried to keep the UK in the digital dark ages. The one area where consumers are getting a raw deal is pay-TV. Ofcom have said they will consider whether to make it easier for customers to switch in this area but this isn’t enough. Much tougher action is needed to address the fundamental flaws in this market.”