Dutch alternative television provider Your.TV says it is no longer dependent on being granted access to Dutch cable networks UPC and Ziggo under Open Cable and will instead launch an over-the-top TV service before the end of the year.
Your.TV is proposing an HD-capable broadband TV service to consumers that receive internet speeds of up to 8 Mbps. The company says that with a fast enough connection it will be possible to simultaneously connect multiple HDTV receivers.
Customers will not be required to change their internet service provider and can simply subscribe directly to Your.TV; such a proposal may not necessarily give the consumer the best deal from any triple play offer, though Your.TV says it expects its TV offer to be priced below that of the cablers.
Last week the Dutch Trade and Industry Appeals Tribunal (College van Beroep voor het bedrijfsleven – CBb) overturned the market analysis published by the telecoms regulator OPTA. There have subsequently been calls from a number of political parties and consumer groups for its reinstatement.