The battle between portals MSN Israel and Walla! continues. After lately arguing over their standing in Nielsen-Net Rating Israel ratings, they each announced, a day apart, the launch of a joint broadband channel with Bezeq's WOW.
Walla! announced yesterday that it would begin broadband transmission in a few weeks jointly with WOW. The channel will be available to WOW subscribers, and transmit television programs, video files, music clips and other content from YES satellite broadcaster, the cable Sports Channel, and others.
Walla! CEO Ofer Levy said the new channel would allow the implementation of plans to charge fees for Internet content. "When the channel includes feature films, computer games and other content, we will begin charging for that content," he said.
Levy added that the aim of the new channel was to provide an enhanced surfing experience for Bezeq's ADSL users and surfers with high-speed office hook-ups.
MSN Israel will today launch its own broadband channel, also in conjunction with WOW, YES, and Second Broadcasting Authority (Channel 2) franchisee Reshet.
Published by Israel's Business Arena on 5 February 2002