Ref:  45/00
Date:  21 June 2000

Oftel has today required Sky Subscribers Services Ltd to allow other companies to have access to its encryption services to provide interactive services over digital TV sets.

Sky Subscribers Services Ltd (SSSL) encryption and customer recognition technology is used in BSkyB’s digital set top boxes to provide secure interactive services such as home banking and e-commerce to consumers.

Oftel has today determined that SSSL is a Regulated Supplier in a dominant position under the Access Control Services Licence. This means SSSL must allow other companies to have fair access to its services so they can provide their own interactive services to customers.

Announcing the decision, David Edmonds Director General of Telecommunications said today:

"As digital TV becomes more widespread, it is important that different companies can provide new and exciting interactive services to consumers. But it is also important to ensure regulation in this area is only imposed when justified, otherwise competition and innovation in a fast-moving market could be stifled.

"Because of its position in the market, Oftel has required SSSL to allow other companies to use the technical services embedded in BSkyB’s set top boxes to provide interactive services.

"Oftel’s decision will encourage competition and choice for consumers in the provision of interactive services using digital TV sets."

Notes to Editors

1. Oftel has determined that Sky Subscribers Services Limited (SSSL) should be a Regulated Supplier in a dominant position under the terms of the Class Licence for the provision of Access Control Services. This follows a period of consultation.

2. The determination that Sky Subscribers Services Limited is in a dominant position under the terms of the Access Control Class Licence is available on the Oftel website at www.oftel.gov.uk.

3. The determination will be reviewed in the first half of 2001 as part of a general review of the market for Access Control Services.

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