Telecom Australia and Pay-TV Networks at Odds Over Signal Rights

Strategic Insights -

A dispute is brewing between Telecom Australia and its pay-TV partners, the Nine, Seven, and Ten networks, over Telecom's rights to use the networks' signals in trial cable TV networks. The row has significant implications for the media industry, as it may test section 212 of the Broadcasting Services Act, which exempts simple retransmission of signals from regulation. The networks are concerned that retransmission of their signals would breach copyright agreements with program providers, which allow free-to-air transmission only.

Key Takeaways:

  • Telecom Australia is seeking to use the signals of the Nine, Seven, and Ten networks in trial cable TV networks, but the networks are refusing permission due to copyright concerns.
  • The dispute may lead to a test case of section 212 of the Broadcasting Services Act, which could have significant implications for the media industry.
  • The networks are concerned that retransmission of their signals would breach copyright agreements with program providers, which allow free-to-air transmission only.
  • Telecom Australia's managing director, Gerry Moriarty, said the company is keen to resolve the dispute and provide services to areas with poor TV reception, such as Cordeaux Heights in Wollongong.
  • Seven Network's managing director, Bob Campbell, said the company has copyright difficulties and is not prepared to release its product until the rules for "must carry network signals" are clarified.
  • If Telecom Australia gets legal advice confirming it is entitled to retransmit under section 212, it could provoke a legal challenge from the networks by simply switching on the signals without agreement.

Statistics:

  • Telecom Australia is conducting trial cable TV networks in Wollongong and Sydney's Centennial Park.
  • The ABC, SBS, and CNN have granted permission for Telecom Australia to use their signals in these trials.
  • 88% of residents in Cordeaux Heights in Wollongong , where Telecom Australia is conducting the trial, have been affected by poor TV reception.
  • WIN TV's signal is particularly affected by wind, resulting in poor reception for many residents.

Sources:

  • "Byline: BEN POTTER Sydney." Sydney: The Age, n.d.
  • The Age, n.d