[Gunslinger]

While all the previous talk about 'secret deals' is obviously nonsense, it is in both sides' interest to let negotiations run to the wire (and possibly beyond), in order to judge the customer take up of BT's service.

Obviously if that is significantly less than planned, then BT will be under pressure to accept a lower price than would otherwise be the case. Virgin have repeatedly shown themselves unwilling to pay over the odds or be held to ransom - from the Sky Basics situation, ITV HD channels, Sky Atlantic, etc etc.

If a price is agreed, a deal can be done very quickly, if not it won't, it's as simple as that. Both sides are preparing the ground for either eventuality.