Communications Minister Ariel Atias will not intervene in Cellcom and Partner's IPTV activity because they will only provide pay-per-view service.
Minister of Communications Ariel Atias will hold a hearing on Internet protocol television (IPTV) broadcasting as part of the entry of cellular operators Cellcom Israel Ltd. (NYSE:CEL; TASE:CEL) and Partner Communications Ltd. (Nasdaq: PTNR; TASE: PTNR) into the field. However, he has decided not to intervene at this time in the two companies' IPTV activity because the companies will only provide pay-per-view service.
Atias will review IPTV service by the cellular operators when they begin regular television broadcasting, either by IPTV or other means.
Partner plans to provide IPTV service via its new portal and Cellcom via its joint Internet venture with Blockbuster Israel Ltd. Hot Cable Systems Media Ltd. (TASE: HOT) and Bezeq The Israeli Telecommunication Co. Ltd. (TASE: BEZQ) satellite broadcasting subsidiary YES both strongly oppose the cellular operators' plans. HOT and YES asked the Ministry of Communications to delay the cellular operators' entry into television until clear regulations are in place, which will give equal terms to all broadcasters.
HOT and YES are worried about Cellcom and Partner's foothold in television while additional operators are blocked from the cellular communications market.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on December 11, 2008
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