Oftel warning to digital operators
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Don Cruickshank, the telecommunications regulator, yesterday warned he would "pounce" on attempts by digital television services, such as those planned by BSkyB, to use the new technology to discriminate unfairly against the programmes of rival programme makers.
However, unveiling his final plans to regulate the multi-channel digital television, it emerged that the regulator will have no power initially over a similar digital service planned by the cable companies. BSkyB and some cable operators aim to launch competing digital services later this year.
They could provide hundreds of channels, raising concerns that existing terrestrial broadcasters could see their offerings swamped. Programme makers have been concerned at the terms for accessing the "set-top boxes" which decode digital signals in the home.
Mr Cruickshank is writing to broadcasters and content providers requesting internal information on the planned services. "I'm anxious there are the makings of a very long, drawn out, negotiation here," he said.
Electronic programme guides, which act as computerised index systems, were "a big problem," said Mr Cruickshank and could be used to steer consumers towards particular channels.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments