Ofcom reviews broadcasting transmission market

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UK communications regulator Ofcom has published a public consultation on its proposals on the UK broadcasting transmission services market which delivers broadcast content to viewers and listeners. As part of the EU regulatory framework, Ofcom has identified the market for terrestrial broadcasting transmission as appropriate for regulation, and has defined discrete markets in two areas: for access to masts and sites; and for managed transmission services.

In the UK, broadcast transmission is largely controlled by ntl and Crown Castle. ntl took over the privatised assets of the former Independent Broadcasting Authority transmission network in 1991, with Crown Castle acquiring the BBC's assets in 1997.

Following the review, Ofcom has suggested that ntl and Crown Castle each have significant market power in providing access to their respective masts, site networks and shared antenna systems for national, regional and metropolitan broadcasting.

Ofcom also considers that ntl and Crown Castle jointly have significant market power in providing managed transmission services for the purpose of delivering national analogue and digital terrestrial television and radio broadcasts in the UK

Given the proposed positions of dominance held by Crown Castle and ntl, Ofcom is proposing that both companies are required to: provide network access to their respective masts and sites and managed transmission services on reasonable request; avoid discrimination in providing network access and managed transmission services; provide network access to their respective masts and sites and managed transmission services on cost-orientated terms, and publish a Reference Offer setting out the terms on which access to the mast and sites will be made available.

Ofcom is seeking responses to its proposals by December 22.