MONOPOLY OF BSKYB

Motion Text

That this House condemns the recent decision by BSkyB to increase its subscription rates to pubs and clubs by a staggering 18 per cent. which will have a serious impact on those which screen live sport, particularly Premiership football; notes that the sports viewing market is a vital element for the viability of many businesses, attracting a distinct target audience which would not be attracted to pubs by other entertainment; condemns the increase which is about seven times the current rate of inflation and is a total abuse of BSkyB's monopoly position; welcomes the intention of the Office of Fair Trading to assess the situation to establish whether there is an infringement of the Competition Act 1998.