Broadband News

Weeks ago Top 10 Broadband news informed you of the initial Virgin Media and BskyB squabble at the start of Virgin Media’s launch. For several weeks since, it has been quiet on that front, with Virgin seemingly worse off with a TV service missing key big names. However after mutually attacking advertising from both sides, Virgin Media are attempting to bring the feud to a climax by taking BSkyB to the High Court.

The quarrel started over the fees the providers charge each other in return for allowing the opposite party to use their services.

Virgin Media claim that BSkyB ‘forced’ them to accept a reduction in fees in January only for a month later for BSkyB to demand that Virgin Media pay double the fees for Sky channels on the Virgin Media Network. BSkyB has yet to comment on the issue.

However, Virgin Media chief executive Steve Burch has recently stated on current matters: “this dispute is one very specific example of how UK consumers are being denied the benefits of a diverse, dynamic and competitive pay TV market… litigation is obviously a serious step and a last resort but we are determined to have these issues resolved as quickly and fairly as possible.”

Currently Virgin Media customers are unable to access Sky’s basic channels, including Sky One, Sky Sports News and others after the two companies failed to reach an agreement before the deadline of May 1st 2007.

You van see both Virgin Media’s and BSkyB’s Packages on Top 10 Broadband