BSkyB to be investigated by Ofcom over BT complaint of "abuse of power"

Ofcom, the independent regulator and competition authority for the UK communications industries, is launching an investigation into BSkyB, following a complaint from BT (British Telecom) of Sky's "abuse of power", Ofcom announced on the 20/06/2013. BT's complaint is that BSkyB has refused to let BT sell its channels unless it can sell the BT Sport channels to Sky subscribers in return.

According to BT, the position represents an abuse of BSkyB’s dominance in the pay TV market. They argue that as a new entrant to the market they should not be forced to allow their competitors to sell their channels.

The investigation will “consider whether Sky has abused a dominant position under UK and/or EU competition law”, Ofcom indicated. The independent regulator and competition authority added that they will make a decision by the end of July 2013.

• With the Premier League kicking off on 17/08/2013, BT has asked Ofcom for urgent interim measures to be imposed.
  • The two satellite TV groups are set to share the Premier League's TV rights for the 2013-2016 period.
• This is the second…