[theone2k10]

Originally Posted by Perfect Choice

The trouble with Sky’s tactics on Sky Atlantic/HBO is that it could back fire on them once their exclusive agreement comes to an end IMHO.

By denying access today, they may gain a temporary advantage but as far as I've seen posted, there is no real evidence of a significant subscription base being with Sky purely because of SA i.e. nice to have but not enough to move to Sky if you cannot get it.

But by taking this stance, HBO may well be approached to do content supply deals with VM, BT and TalkTalk, which will easily cover the loss of revenues with any deal renewal with Sky not being exclusive. Of course HBO may continue an exclusive relationship with Sky but not sure this would be in their best interests.

So while Sky have their exclusivity in the UK (legally at least) for new content from HBO, this will not be forever IMHO and then their tactics will back fire on them.

Considering what BT have done to Sports, plus the likes of Netflix having greater access to content, Sky do have a battle on their hands as has been the case recently with Sports and they are not exactly helping themselves by forcing competitors to consider alternative roués to content instead of reaching agreements to supply channels under their existing agreements with the likes of HBO.

When is the deal with HBO due to expire anyway, was it 2014 or 2015?

Netflix are rumoured to be going after HBO content once the Sky deal ends.
As you say this could backfire on Sky , Sky are shooting themselves in the foot.