Web TV calls Billag into action

Zattoo brings TV channels to your living room free of charge via the Internet. Last week, Zattoo was able to expand its offering by 13 channels to more than 40. New additions include six French channels, six Italian channels and one Austrian channel. The Zurich-based company already has over 100,000 registered users, as Head of Marketing Francesco Vass told 20 Minuten. However, the high number of users has now brought Billag onto the scene. Its spokesperson Jonny Kopp is of the opinion that Zattoo should charge fees. "As you have to register with Zattoo in order to receive programs, this should be equivalent to a subscription." Vass counters that the Federal Office of Communications has already informed him that use is free of charge. Billag is currently not taking any action and is waiting until the revised Radio and Television Act comes into force.