Virgin Media Calls For Investigation As Channel Five Rejoins Project Canvas
Virgin Media are calling for a new investigation into Project Canvas, after Channel Five rejoined the internet TV venture. The new on demand TV service that might replace Freeview, is facing more criticism as Virgin Media calls for telecoms regulator Ofcom to investigate after Channel Five re-joins the development.
When launched, Project Canvas will allow UK viewers to watch catch-up TV on services such as the BBC iPlayer and 4oD, as well as the standard TV channels, via an internet ready set top box or tv set.
Project Canvas is being developed by the BBC and other partners ITV, Channel 4, BT, TalkTalk, Arqiva and now Channel Five, and could launch on set top boxes in early 2011, bringing “internet TV to the masses”.
Channel Five had pulled out of Project Canvas a month ago as it could “no longer commit to funding its share” of the £16 million TV venture. However the broadcaster has now rejoined the Project Canvas partners after being purchased by Richard Desmond’s publishing group Northern & Shell also owner of the Daily Express, and OK! magazine.
Virgin Media said the return of Channel Five to Project Canvas represents an even greater threat to the digital TV market, and has called for an independent investigation into the development.
A Virgin Media spokesperson said: “With the return of Five, the Project Canvas joint venture partners represent an even greater concentration of all TV viewing. This reinforces the pressing need for a thorough and independent examination of this closed, anti-competitive platform. We urge Ofcom to bring some much needed transparency to the whole collaboration.”
Project Canvas has had a lot of criticism since it first made known its plans back in December 2008. Both Virgin Media and Sky aired concerns that the TV venture would obliterate competition. Internet TV provider IP Vision also called for an investigation into Project Canvas, saying the venture would “inhibit competition and restrict consumer choice”.
Related News:
- Virgin Media Trying To Scupper The Project Canvas Launch
- Channel Five To Rejoin Project Canvas
- Project Canvas Blow As Channel Five Quits
- Orange Looking To Join Project Canvas
- Project Canvas Slammed By Virgin Media Boss
[...] Virgin Media has already complained to Ofcom, which sees Project Canvas as an anti competitive cartel that will crush the nascent online TV market. Later this year Ofcom is expected to make a decision on whether to scrutinise Project Canvas, the joint venture that also includes TalkTalk, BT, Arqiva, Channel 4 and ITV. Orange and Channel 5 are also looking to get involved. [...]