Vol. 438 No. 7
217 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if he will ensure that an opt-out clause will be included in any agreement signed between his Department and Cablelink regarding the expansion of the number of channels to be made available to Cablelink customers, thus ensuring that customers who do not require these channels will not be compelled to take them or to pay for a service they do not want; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The question of an agreement between my Department and Cablelink does not arise.
The Wireless Telegraphy (Wired Broadcast Relay Licence) (Amendment) Regulations, 1988 distinguish between a "basic" cable service which a person is obliged to pay for in order to become a subscriber, and a "discretionary" service which a subscriber may accept and pay for in addition to the basic charges or refuse without affecting the relay of basic services.
Restrictions on the re-transmission of television broadcasts from other member states are now prohibited by European Union law except in certain limited circumstances. Accordingly, cable companies are generally free to supply foreign channels in any case where they become part of the basic service without a separate charge.
Where an increased basic service charge is proposed in respect of any additions to the basic service, my approval is necessary. My preference is that when additional channels cannot be supplied for a reasonable increase in the current basic charge, if they are to be relayed it should be as part of the discretionary service and paid for by those who want them.
As negotiations are not yet completed, it is not possible at this stage to say what will be acceptable to all the parties involved.
