Real Digital steps closer to adding Sky Sports

The service has been added to the list of companies who can apply to carry Sky Sports 1 and 2, alongside BT Vision, Top Up TV and Virgin Media.
However, Real Digital will still have to prove that it has the financial security and strong encryption Sky demands for its channels.
The satellite service aims to rival Sky, launches combining pay TV and free channels with plans to include Sky Sports 1 and 2 at a ‘new low cost monthly price’.

Viewers will be able to use an existing Sky or Freesat dish and will required a Real Digital receiver costing £159 or Real HD+ PVR costing ‘around £270’ and viewing card.
All boxes will have a ‘new 7 day EPG’ and Fortec Star has been named as a manufacturer. The Real Digital website promises ‘a substantial discount’ on Real Digital receivers for those who trade in their Sky, Freesat or ‘generic FTA’ receiver.

Today’s decision brings Real Digital under the Competition Appeals Tribunal’s interim order, made in April.
The interim order grants BT Vision and Top Up TV the right to wholesale Sky Sports 1 and 2, following Ofcom’s three year investigation into the UK Pay-TV market.
Ofcom has ordered Sky to wholesale the channels to competitors at a lower price than it wants, and the interim order allows them to do so until the Competition Appeals Tribunal has reviewed the case.
Under the order, BT Vision and Top Up TV currently offer the two Sky Sports channels, but have to pay the difference between Ofcom’s price and Sky’s price into a holding account. The balance will be paid to Sky or returned to its rivals when the Tribunal makes its decision.