Quote:
Originally Posted by OLD BOY
Well, VM can't be expected to hold the channel numbers open forever, Richard. The two sides cannot agree. The negotiations are over and relationships have broken down.
There comes a point when you have to move on.
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Not after a week though, at best it's been done to put pressure on UKTV , at worst to be downright antagonistic.
Slot 106 was dormant for a long time before it was auctioned off to Channel 4.
---------- Post added at 00:42 ---------- Previous post was at 00:39 ----------
Quote:
Originally Posted by alwaysabear
I really cannot see that, only a very small proportion of VM customers are going to move else where for a few repeat channels.
Whereas UKTV loose access to 4 million customers and advertisers will be looking for a reduction in fees, plus they will be getting nothing from VM.
Meanwhile VM have saved money.
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The postings on various internet sites and complaints to Ofcom about people not being able to get through to cancel suggest otherwise.
---------- Post added at 00:51 ---------- Previous post was at 00:42 ----------
Quote:
Originally Posted by oliver1948uk
The more I consider the course of events the more I believe VM knew what was going to happen (ie UKTV programmes would leave VM) and had weighed up in advance the costs and risks involved. I believe this because all of a sudden replacement channels were available, something which by past experience takes months or even years to negotiate. Rather than ITV holding VM to ransom, perhaps it was the other way round. By standing firm to UKTV, VM were showing they were not going to be messed about by ITV who have much to lose if they are not on VM. Only those in the room where negotiations take place really know. I doubt they are contributing to this forum.
VM know that many people are in a similar position to me. That is that money is limited and to get good broadband speed as well as adequate TV is going to cost more away from VM. I watched a lot on Drama in particular but it is not the end of the world! There is more in life than TV.
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The new channels were either timed to launch on the weekend the UKTV channels were removed eg Paramount started late and Quest HD started early (which they had to take back down!) or negotiated at the last minute as per VM themselves.
I do think though, that it does question the mantra that VM always say about these things always taking a long time to sort out.
I think it's pretty clear that VM is superior for BB and Sky superior for channel choice. I always assumed that this would be an expensive way to do it as you would lose the triple play discounts but, apparently, this isn't always the case. I've seen posts where people have cancelled all VM services because of the removal of the UKTV channels, but VM have given them a good deal to remain with them for BB. Couple this with the financial incentives that Sky are offering to try and poach VM customers and it can actually work out cheaper!