Ofcom pulls YouView probe

Ofcom says it will not investigate YouView under the Competition Act.

Virgin Media and IP Vision had raised complaints that the online television platform would have a detrimental impact on the industry.

Ofcom says it was too early to confidently predict what impact YouView would have on the emerging online TV market, and would wait to see how the YouView partners act, particularly in regard to “issuing technical standards and providing access to content.”

Formerly known as Project Canvas, YouView is a partnership between the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Five, BT, Arqiva and TalkTalk. Launching in 2011, it will allow viewers to watch online TV content through a set-top box.

The media regulator adds that if YouView did look likely to impact on the interests of viewers it may reconsider an investigation.

Recommended