Sky and BT strengthen ADSL relationship

Posted by Simon Perry on 18 October 2002 at 2:56 pm | Tagged as: Distribution

Sky and BT have had a strategic relationship for a long time. Initially it was because Sky needed a return path for their STB’s and back then the only realistic provider of this was a BT phone line. Things went a little frosty a while back when there were rumours that BT might use their network to become a broadcaster but it’s now all lovey-dovey again.

Back in February this year, BT made a know for a while that Sky has had a DSL connected STB/DVR, so clearly a wider take-up for broadband could benefit them in delivering content.

Sky customers who subscribe to cheaper packages but will see an advantage for upgrading to get the deal.

An unknown is the amount of money that Sky will be paid for each of their subscribers that sign up for the service hasn’t been disclosed.

I would also assume that BT has had to give legal assurances that it will not use the ADSL lines to provide content that will compete again Sky.

BT will get to strengthen their hold on UK broadband subscribers.

Quite a good deal to Sky then at first glance.