Dutch DTT and IPTV provider KPN has announced a ground breaking distribution deal with BBC Worldwide Channels for the distribution of the domestic BBC networks.
Until now, Dutch cable operators have held exclusive distribution rights to BBC One, BBC Two, BBC Three and BBC Four. Under the new contract, KPN can now distribute BBC One and BBC Two on its DTT platform Digitenne.
KPN’s IPTV platform Interactive TV will now start to carry BBC One, BBC Two, BBC Three, BBC Four and BBC HD. The operator said it will continue to distribute BBC Entertainment on its platforms.
Albert Vergeer, director TV, internet and telephony KPN, said in a statement: “We are delighted to expand our offer with the world-famous BBC channels.”
“We are pleased to offer television viewers in The Netherlands the chance to see these channels on the rapidly growing TV platforms such as interactive TV and terrestrial. The agreement contains BBC HD, which offera range of BBC HD programming from major sporting events such as Wimbledon to the music events such as The Proms, but also historical dramas,” said Ian McDonough, SVP and general manager EMEA, BBC Worldwide Channels.
The carriage of the domestic BBC channels has been a feature of Dutch and Belgian cable for many years. Until recently, these channels were not available on any of the new platforms. Only last year, Belgacom TV secured the distribution rights to BBC One, BBC Two, BBC Three, BBC Four and BBC HD on their IPTV platform.
The two Dutch main cable operators, Ziggo and UPC, so far do not carry BBC HD, but CAIWay does.
