I think I’ll wait a couple of months before I venture into Freesat.

Bob

2 quick questions.

Quite:
The BBC, ITV and Channel 4’s decision to broadcast in the clear from a
different satellite is not something that Five can copy. The satellite
coverage now used by the BBC can still reach parts of mainland Europe,
and the Republic of Ireland. Five is licensed by Ofcom; also, when we
acquire broadcast rights for programmes and films, these are
specifically licensed for the UK territory. The terms of our license
prohibit broadcasting outside the United Kingdom.

This is why Five pays BSkyB to encrypt and broadcast our channel via
digital satellite. Five does remain free-to-air, meaning you do not pay
a subscription for the channel. However, a viewing card is needed to
able to watch our programmes. These cards are properly seen as part of
the equipment cost of satellite television, like the receiving dish,
set-top box and the television itself.

End of quote.

Question 1
are BBC, ITV and Channel 4’s not covered by Ofcom’s rules?

Question 2
when BBC, ITV and Channel 4’s acquire broadcast rights for programmes and films, are they not
specifically licensed for the UK territory only too?

Basicly to me it looks like they are more or less covered by the same rules and broadcast rights as you but they don’t seem to have any problem with it, why do you?

Pete.

Thank you for your recent enquiry.

The BBC, ITV and Channel 4’s decision to broadcast in the clear from a
different satellite is not something that Five can copy. The satellite
coverage now used by the BBC can still reach parts of mainland Europe,
and the Republic of Ireland. Five is licensed by Ofcom; also, when we
acquire broadcast rights for programmes and films, these are
specifically licensed for the UK territory. The terms of our license
prohibit broadcasting outside the United Kingdom.

This is why Five pays BSkyB to encrypt and broadcast our channel via
digital satellite. Five does remain free-to-air, meaning you do not pay
a subscription for the channel. However, a viewing card is needed to
able to watch our programmes. These cards are properly seen as part of
the equipment cost of satellite television, like the receiving dish,
set-top box and the television itself.

If there is anything further we can help you with, please do not
hesitate to contact us.

Thank you for your interest in Five.

Yours sincerely

Margaret
VIEWER ADVISOR

Please note that the contact details for Five Customer Services are as
follows:

Telephone: 0845 7 05 05 05 / 020
7421 7270
Text telephone for use by deaf people: 0845 7 41 37 87
E-mail: customerservices@five.tv
Fax: 020 7836 1286

Free booklets and factsheets available at http://www.five.tv/factsheets

—–Original Message—–
From: gruff@boat16.fsnet.co.uk [mailto:gruff@boat16.fsnet.co.uk]
Sent: 08 May 2008 16:08
To: Customer Services
Subject: technical enquiry from: Geoff Clarke

technical enquiry from: Geoff Clarke

comment:
When will Channel Five become ”Free to air” & be viewable on the new
Freesat service