Open Letter to Ofcom

Mailed to:  Andrew.Dumbreck@ofcom.org.uk

Dear Mr Dumbreck,

I am writing you in regard to Ofcom’s proposed amendment to the BBC Free to View Ltd DTT high definition multiplex licence, viz. –

To add at the end of Condition 6: “(8) Nothing in this Condition 6 is to be construed as preventing the Licensee from entering into arrangements for the protection of intellectual property rights in High Definition television services where such arrangements have been approved by Ofcom in writing”.

From the Ofcom website:

What is Ofcom?

[...]

We make sure that people in the UK get the best from their communications services and are protected from scams and sharp practices, while ensuring that competition can thrive.

[...]

The [Communications Act 2003] says that Ofcom’s general duties should be to further the interests of citizens and of consumers.

I’d be very interested to learn how you intend to reconcile your regulatory obligations with your supine acquiescence to the demands of the DTLA.

Sincerely,

[misterfricative aka]

More on this at Boing Boing and EFF.

Tags: Andrew Dumbreck, BBC, Danny O'Brien, DRM, DTLA, DTT, EFF, Greg Bensberg, HD, licence, license, Ofcom, TV