Quote:
Originally Posted by Gunslinger
I must say I don't really buy this 'deal done, but no announcement, so more people switch to BT' line.
Why would VM go along with something that encourages customers to leave, even in the short term? Would a collusive agreement like that (to actively mislead customers) be legal under competition and/or consumer law?
And how would customers react if, having been told by BT the channels won't be on Virgin, they switch to BT on Wednesday only to find them popping up on VM on Thursday? I know all the telcos have been told off by the ASA at one time or another, but that is surely pushing the limits...
I suspect each side is holding out till the last minute for the 'best' commercial deal; at the end of the day VM 'need' BT Sports to keep customers happy, and BT 'need' the income to offset some of the costs of the rights they have purchased. Otherwise, it is a very, very, very expensive way for BT to promote their broadband service.
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BT is fully entitled to impose conditions around the announcement of any deal. It has not said that the the channels will not be on Virgin, only that they are not at the moment.