The Latvian cable operator Izzi has criticised plans to give LNT and TV3, the country’s two leading commercial broadcasters, the right to charge a fee for their distribution on cable networks.
In a statement, it says that such a move would be “illegal and totally illogical”, bearing in mind that operators are already obliged to offer the channels due to their must-carry status.
Izzi adds that it would also be discriminatory, applying only to cable operators, and constitute a form a tax that would ultimately be passed on to subscribers in the form of higher fees.
Izzi is, along with Baltcom, one of the two leading cable in Latvia. Established 17 years ago, it has been owned by Contaq Latvian Cable, part of Luxembourg-registered Contaq Latvia Cable Holding, since 2008.
