Slovenian telecommunications provider Telekom Slovenije has halted the availability of the Sport TV 1, 2 and 3 channels on its television platform after accusing the broadcaster of hiking up the carriage prices to unsustainable levels.
The premium channels were taken off air during Sport TV’s coverage of a game featuring the Slovenian women’s national team against Norway at the ongoing Handball World Championships in Japan.
In explaining its decision, the telco said that the prices set by Sport TV are “harmful to both the company and its subscribers” and “deviate from economic viability”.
Telekom Slovenije added: “Recently, the prices of programming rights on the market have increased markedly and we negotiate with each provider, as a sensible company, in order to provide our clients with the best content at an affordable price.”
However, both parties indicated that talks are ongoing regarding a possible end to the impasse.
Sport TV said in a statement that negotiations have already taken place over “several months”, but the channels would not be available on the telco’s platform until further notice.
The broadcaster added: “Telekom Slovenije did not accept our offer and terms that are the same as those for other operators. We hope to reach an agreement in the near future that will resolve the situation in favour of our viewers.”