Plum Insight: Video content and broadband – a marriage made in heaven

In the developed world there is now strong convergence between the retail pay TV markets and the retail broadband markets in which suppliers in both markets increasingly compete for the spend of the same consumers. This trend is likely to continue as the capability of fixed and mobile broadband networks continues to improve rapidly over[…]

Assessing the proposed merger between Sky NZ and Vodafone NZ

In 2016, Vodafone New Zealand and Sky Network Television Limited proposed to merge their businesses, and applied to the New Zealand Commerce Commission (NZCC) for clearance. Under the New Zealand Commerce Act 1986, the NZCC can grant clearance if it is satisfied that the Proposed Transaction will not have the effect or likely effect of[…]

Challenges and opportunities of broadcast-broadband convergence and its impact on spectrum and network use

Plum led a 12 month study, working with Farncombe, to assess the options for future use of UHF spectrum in the EU – with a focus on the case for and against a converged mobile/DTT platform. The study involved: Wide consultation with, and three workshops for, industry players A detailed assessment of how audio-visual services[…]

What next for DTT? The case for implementing T2 at the same time as 700MHz clearance

Plum assessed the social and economic impact of adoption of a more efficient transmission technology (i.e. DVB-T2) on digital terrestrial television (DTT) at the time of 700MHz clearance (assumed to be 2019-2021). If the 700 MHz band (694-790 MHz) is repurposed from broadcasting to mobile use, the spectrum available to broadcast TV would be reduced[…]

Terrestrial broadcasting use of spectrum – does AIP have a role in promoting efficiency?

This report considered Ofcom’s proposals for the potential application of AIP to spectrum utilised for national terrestrial TV broadcasting. In its consultation on spectrum pricing for broadcasting, Ofcom stated that, where there are constraints on spectrum release, it does not expect “…the application of AIP to meet its core objective of securing the optimal use[…]

Advice on TV broadcast standards in Singapore

Plum and Aegis advised the Media Development Authority of Singapore on the development of a Code of Practice for TV broadcast standards. The study included a review of international standards and regulations for broadcast TV services across different distribution mechanisms including terrestrial broadcasting, cable, IPTV and over-the-top (OTT). A consultation with stakeholders was also conducted.[…]

Responses to stakeholder comments on the future of 2.6 GHz spectrum in Ireland

Plum reviewed and responded to the comments received from interested parties in response to ComReg’s consultation Document 11/80, on the future of the 2.6 GHz radio spectrum band. This consultation sought comments on a report, Document 11/80a, that considered the technical feasibility of the 2.6 GHz band being shared by MMDS and Next Generation Mobile[…]

The economic potential of cross-border pay-to-view and listen audiovisual media services

Plum, with TNS, assessed the economic potential for cross-border pay-to-view and/or listen audiovisual media services in the European Union. The study involved a review of the supply of audiovisual services over terrestrial, cable, satellite, IPTV and over-the-top platforms both nationally and across the EU, and consumer surveys on interest and willingness to pay for such[…]

The cost of capital for broadcast transmission

Plum developed an explanatory note on the cost of capital and its application to broadcast network access. The note also addresses the argument that the WACC should be reviewed due to changed circumstances (in particular, the financial crisis’s impact on interest rates).