Sky's response to Freesat 'disappointment'

Brian Butterworth published on UK Free TV 29th July 2008 at 18:22

We reported the "disappointment" felt last week by Emma Scott, the Managing Director of Freesat over why Freesat did not launch with 230 channels.

Freesat told ukfree.tv that "in order for Freesat services to be acceptable to Sky at this stage in the broadcast chain, Sky requires all Freesat services previously to have passed through another technical process, managed by Sky, called 'configuration'".

We asked BSkyB about the accuracy of the Freesat statement, and they told ukfree.tv:

"We're all for customer choice and we're working to facilitate the growing availability of free-to-air channels in both the Sky and BBC/ITV Freesat EPGs. The reason for Sky's involvement is that technical work is required on our side to ensure that a channel can broadcast to both platforms from a single satellite transponder.

This process could pose a risk to the operation of both platforms and to the service received by the millions of households who already receive digital satellite TV. This risk was recognised by the BBC Trust when it stated that the BBC "should take all reasonable steps to ensure that 'Freesat' is able to co-exist with other digital television platforms without impairing their technical operations".

This is indeed was the second condition in the Freesat BBC Trust approval letter. Sky continue:

"To manage these risks, Sky and BBC/ITV Freesat have a number of agreed processes and procedures in place. Our goal is to support the roll-out of more than 200 free-to-air services, while ensuring a safe and stable environment for everyone concerned."