BT

BT is a UK based telecommunications operator offering telephone and high-speed Internet services, with limited digital video service offerings until December 2006. Even then, BT opted for an unusual hybrid service, combining on-demand services via IPTV with live TV channels delivered via digital terrestrial.

BT launched its BT Vision IPTV service on 4 December 2006. The hybrid IPTV service combines digital terrestrial TV based on the existing Freeview platform with on demand film, TV and music programming and interface services, provided via BT’s DSL network. BT launched a football service in July 2007, in time for the 2007/8 season. £4 per month (or one-off payments of £1.99 per game) gives access to Premier league games in the evening of the day they are played (‘near-live’). Before June 2009, there was an option to see some football games live via a package from broadcaster Setanta. However, Setanta went into administration in June 2009, and the football rights were acquired by ESPN. BT currently has some English and Scottish live matches via ESPN.

BT Vision had a bumpy start, and initial subscriber growth was low. In part this reflects the competitive UK TV market, with an established free-to-air DTT operator (Freeview) and Pay TV offerings via satellite (Sky) and cable (Virgin). BT Vision sees a viable niche for customers who want extra services and on-demand functionality, but who are averse to paying a large monthly subscription for their TV. By Q3 2009, BT Vision reported 436,000 customers, with an average of 35 views of on-demand content per customer per month. In October 2009, BT Vision chief Marc Watson said that the company would miss its target of between 2 and 3 million set for the end of 2010 by BT group chief executive Ian Livingstone. Watson said the lack of a deal for sports content with pay-TV broadcaster Sky was part of the reason for this shortfall.