Cielo, the new free-to-air terrestrial channel proposed by News Corp for the Italian market, has been given the go-ahead from the European Commission. The detail emerged in a letter from Tom Mockridge, News Corp Europe’s acting head of channels, to the Italian authorities. In it Mockridge said he understood there were no competition issues that would prevent Cielo from launch and urged a quick decision from the ministry.
Communications minister Paolo Romani says it is unlikely the additional 30 days will be needed in the decision making process, over and above the initial 60 counted from November 2 when the original licence application was lodged.
Separately, Sky Italia is launching an anti-trust action against the DGTVi over the channel numbering system it has put in place over the digital terrestrial system. Sky says it is impossible for those outside the grouping to participate in the ordering of the EPG.
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