May 2001 Survey Results from Oftel

The government has narrowed the options for DTT switch-off to two dates, but copious details remain undecided, with clarity likely to take some time to emerge.

The DTT spectrum could improve rural and deep in-building coverage considerably, with the focus likely to be on the readily-usable 600MHz band which will be freed up in 2035 under either scenario, and is particularly attractive for BT/EE.

The impact on the broadband market is harder to judge given multiple uncertainties, with there being a potential boost to broadband adoption, albeit price control is a threat. However, playing a more active role in TV distribution is an opportunity.

The transition to IPTV brings benefits to consumers with the availability of significantly more content—mainly global—and greater functionality on the TV set.

However, the emergence of global TV operating system (TVOS) providers has changed the business model of TV manufacturers and introduced an intermediary between broadcasters and consumers.

Prominence regulation can only go so far. Domestic broadcasters need to secure a fair return from Connected TV (CTV) platforms so they can continue to invest in locally-produced content and protect the wider TV ecosystem.
 

Few major football rights deals have been announced since auctions for UEFA rights in its top five markets and LaLiga’s new domestic cycle were completed late last year.

Football is increasing its dominance of sports viewing in the UK driven by expanded live coverage from broadcasters, and continues to be one of the youngest-skewing sports alongside darts and F1.

As premium football rights continue to take the lion’s share of sports rights spending, Sky’s recently extended partnership with Formula One shows the value of complementary rights properties.