BSkyB responds to CAT ruling on pay TV appeal

"Sky notes today's announcement by the Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) of its judgment on the various appeals of Ofcom’s decision to impose a Wholesale Must Offer obligation in respect of Sky Sports 1 and Sky Sports 2.

"We welcome the CAT’s confirmation that Ofcom’s competition concerns in relation to the wholesale supply of Sky Sports are unfounded and that, contrary to Ofcom’s analysis, the evidence shows that Sky has engaged constructively with other distributors over the supply of its premium channels. This finding supports the argument that Sky has been making consistently over the last five years.

"We also welcome the CAT’s conclusion that the existing commercial terms of supply, particularly in relation to Sky’s wholesale rate card, do not obstruct fair and effective competition in the retailing of Sky Sports across platforms.

"At present, Sky has access only to the CAT’s summary of its principal findings and conclusions. Sky will give careful consideration to the full judgment when it is made available."

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