BT to use pester power

More announcements on BT’s content for its IPTV service. Are they hoping for an element of pester power once the kids get used to having Bob & Pingu on tap? Perhaps more interesting is the fact that the service will be rolled out nationwide rather than restricted to metropolitan areas. Given that there are still some exchanges (35 here in Wales) which are still not even enabled for broadband I’d like to see how they’ll do that.

There won’t be any subscriptions involved either and it will be available to all BT broadband customers, no mention of how much the set-top-box and PVR will cost (if anything). It sounds as though this service will do a lot to entice customers from resellers and LLU operators.

Ofcom to sort out IPTV rights

Ofcom looks to settle disputes between programme makers and broadcasters. Good news for Channel 4 who are looking for a 30-day window of exclusivity. Bad news for BT and other non-traditional broadcasters who might have to wait a month or two before being able to show the programmes. Until BT are in a position to buy original content then they’ll have to be content with films and old programmes. It would put Sky in a strong position with their Sky By Broadband service and the possibility of offering IPTV through their recently purchased Easynet.