Cable network operators criticize Teleclub

Teleclub has recently started offering subscribers television in HD quality. However, only customers who watch TV via Swisscom or Sunrise can benefit from the new offer, as the NZZ am Sonntag reports in its current issue. Swisscom has a stake in Teleclub.
The industry association of cable network operators Swisscable accuses Teleclub of uncooperative behavior in talks and negotiations. Nicolas Perrenoud, head of the cable network Quickline, comes to the same conclusion in an interview with NZZ am Sonntag: "The will for a mutual partnership is simply not there."

However, the current HD debate is just one of many examples that show the poor relationship between Teleclub and the cable network operators, according to the article. Customers watching TV via cable would be forced to purchase a second set-top box, while Swisscom and Sunrise customers could access the offer via their existing box. Swisscom TV customers would also have price advantages with Teleclub offers and would be given preference in the selection of sports broadcasts.

Teleclub rejects the accusations. Teleclub boss Willy Heinzelmann told NZZ am Sonntag that the HD service had also been offered to cable network operators. Negotiations are underway, which is confirmed by Cablecom. Heinzelmann attributes the politics surrounding the set-top boxes and the different prices to technological reasons. However, Swisscable boss Claudia Bolla-Vincenz does not want to hear about the technology argument: "Technology is just being used as an excuse here.

According to NZZ am Sonntag, the Competition Commission (Weko) is aware of the problems surrounding HD broadcasting and intends to make a decision on the matter by the end of the year.