BSkyB considers Digital Plus bid

BSkyB has confirmed it is considering a bid of more than E2.5 billion for Digital Plus, the Spanish pay-television platform. However, as reported in advanced-television.com, there is debate at News Corp over funding priorities as it determines how to expand its European pay-TV business. News Corp, 39 per cent owner of Sky, is currently pursuing a takeover of Germany’s Premiere.
Digital Plus ultimate parent Grupo Prisa is expected to auction it later this year. News Corp might find it difficult to fund both deals and so will let Sky go after Digital Plus while it completes on Premiere.............................................more

Ofcom: Broadband investment will be rewarded

UK media regulator Ofcom has called on fixed line operators like BT and Virgin Media to offer much faster broadband speeds and has promised to let them make a return if they make the necessary heavy investments.
With the UK under pressure to offer faster download speeds to remain competitive, Ofcom chief executive Ed Richards told a trade conference that industry leaders should accelerate the roll-out of super-fast broadband across the UK. "Ofcom favours a regulatory environment for the next generation of networks and access that both allows and encourages operators to make risky investments, to innovate for the benefit of consumers and, if the risks pay off, for the benefit of their shareholders too," said Richards.............................................more