Ranked: The best and worst London boroughs for broadband October 1, 2019 Broadband speeds in the City are the lowest of any London borough, according to new data on internet speeds across the capital. The data, compiled by Broadband Choices, shows massive disparities in average download speeds, with the fastest borough clocking up an average speed over three times quicker than the slowest. Read more: Boris Johnson [...]
Boris Johnson set to unveil £5bn full-fibre broadband boost September 29, 2019 Boris Johnson is said to be preparing a subsidy of up to £5bn in a much-needed boost for his plans to roll out full-fibre broadband across the UK by 2025. The Prime Minister could unveil the fresh funding at the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester this week, the Sunday Telegraph reported, citing industry and Westminster [...]
Boost for broadcasters as young viewers flock to live shows September 26, 2019 Live events are still the most watched TV programmes among young audiences, new data has revealed, marking a much-needed boost for traditional broadcasters. Live TV favourites such as reality shows, talent shows and sports fixtures made up more than half of the top 30 most-watched programmes among 18 to 24-year-olds, according to figures from the [...]
Broadband firms pledge to cut prices after Ofcom review September 25, 2019 Major UK broadband providers have pledged to cut prices for out-of-contract customers after Ofcom carried out a review into the market. Sky, BT and Talktalk have all agreed to allow customers whose initial contracts have ended to get the same deals as new customers when they renew their contracts. Read more: BT leads push for [...]
Hong Kong leader defends police after fresh accusations of violence September 24, 2019 Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam has said the city’s police force – which has been accused of beating activists and using excessive force during demonstrations – is under extreme pressure, and said it would be a “long road” to heal rifts in the territory. Lam told reporters it was “quite remarkable” that there had [...]
Ofcom launches probe into Chinese state broadcaster over Hong Kong coverage September 23, 2019 Ofcom has launched an investigation into Chinese state broadcaster CGTN over concerns its coverage of protests in Hong Kong broke the regulator’s impartiality rules. Ofcom is understood to be probing four separate news programmes aired on the station in August and early September. Read more: Ofcom gives green light to BBC’s Britbox push CGTN, which [...]
Ofcom gives green light to BBC’s Britbox push September 19, 2019 Regulator Ofcom has given the thumbs up for the BBC’s investment in Britbox – a new streaming service to rival the likes of Netflix. The regulator said that there is no “significant risk” that Britbox, a collaboration with ITV, will distort the market and create an unfair advantage. Read more: Britbox: BBC and ITV reveal [...]
Rural areas ‘left behind’ as government fails to bridge digital divide, MPs warn September 18, 2019 Rural communities are being left behind due to the government’s failure to address gaps in the UK’s mobile and broadband coverage, MPs have warned. A report published today by the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Efra) committee said the digital divide between urban and rural areas was marginalising communities and hindering rural business. Read more: [...]
Sky and Channel 4 sign advertising deal as streaming threat looms large September 17, 2019 Channel 4 has signed a deal to use Sky’s advertising technology as the broadcasters strengthen ties amid growing competition from streaming rivals. The two companies today announced a multi-year deal that will see Channel 4 use Sky’s Adsmart platform to deliver targeted ads on its linear channels. Read more: Ofcom clears Channel 4 News over [...]
Government drops probe into Saudi investments in Evening Standard and Independent September 16, 2019 The government has decided not to pursue a probe into Saudi investments in the Evening Standard and the Independent, despite concerns they could harm freedom of expression. Culture secretary Nicky Morgan today said she will not appeal a court ruling that blocked the government from forcing a full public interest inquiry. Read more: Independent and [...]