Ofcom warning on Canvas openness

Broadcasting regulator Ofcom has told the BBC Trust that the proposed Canvas IPTV project should be open to other parties.

Canvas, the details of which remain sketchy, is designed to offer a platform to broadcasters to deliver catch-up TV services over the broadband network. The BBC has brought on board fellow broadcaster ITV, as well as BT, though content would be available through any UK ISP.

In his letter to the Trust Peter Phillips, Ofcom’s official with responsibility for strategy and policy development, said Canvas should not be allowed to develop as a separate platform, and that it should be technically possible for it to run on cable or satellite.

Phillips’ comments come in the wake of the decision by the Competition Commission, not to allow the commercial project Kangaroo to proceed.

Canvas is being positioned as more of a public service offering with a structure similar to that of the free-to-air satellite platform Freesat. Broadband TV News understands that tentative discussions have already taken place between NDS, which provides middleware to Sky, and the BBC.