Vodafone Deutschland has revised its so called coins per subscriber (CPS) model for the distribution of encrypted HD channels on its cable network (formerly Kabel Deutschland) to comply with the principle of equal chances in the broadcast law.
This was announced by the media authorities’ licencing and supervision commission ZAK at its assembly in Leipzig today.
“The new conditions pose a considerably lower entry barrier for broadcasters with a lower reach. Smaller channels thereby gain access to the CPS model and the chance of an economically viable HD distribution,” said ZAK director Siegfried Schneider, adding that this was an important step to ensure “more equal opportunities for broadcasters.”
Vodafone Deutschland must offer the new conditions to all content providers. The company has to report about the further development of the CPS model, in particular regarding smaller channels, by mid-2018.
ZAK evaluated the carriage contracts of all large platform operators last year. The inspection of Kabel Deutschland’s HD contracts and the legal assessment lead to the conclusion that access to the cable operator’s CPS model infringes the principle of equal opportunities and poses unreasonable obstacles to smaller broadcasters.
ZAK therefore requested the platform operator to change the access conditions for the HD distribution through the CPS model to put an end to the unequal treatment. This demand has now been met, according to the commission.
