The BBC has announced that it will begin broadcasting its eight
television channels in the clear on digital satellite (Astra 2D at
28.2° east) from 10 July 2003.
All 22 national and regional variations will be available and
listed on the electronic programme guide (EPG) from this
autumn.
The BBC has also reached an agreement with BSkyB ensuring that
viewers within the UK will continue to automatically receive the
right national and regional versions of BBC One and BBC Two at
slots 101 and 102, respectively, on Sky's EPG.
As a result the BBC will withdraw its complaint from the
Independent Television Commission.
Carolyn Fairbairn, director of Strategy & Distribution at
the BBC, said: “I am delighted we have resolved our
differences with Sky and can now move ahead with our plans for
broadcasting in the clear. This is an important step forward for
audiences across the UK who, for the first time, will be able to
watch any of the BBC’s national and regional services no matter
where they live.”
Click here for BBC press release.
