Deal creates single broadcast transmission service provider

Link: Deal creates single broadcast transmission service provider
Filed under: Telecoms News, IPTV News, Technology News, Internet News

National Grid Plc, the power networks company, is selling its wireless business to broadcaster Arqiva Ltd, in a move that will bring together the privatised transmission arms of both the former Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) and the BBC. The transaction is valued at £2.5 billion.

National Grid Wireless provides television and radio transmission services for the BBC, hosts wireless sites for mobile network operators, and owns and operates two Freeview digital TV multiplexes.

Arqiva will acquire the National Grid Wireless assets through its parent company Macquarie UK Broadcast Ventures Ltd.

Arqiva recently acquired BT Group Plc’s satellite broadcast division and also integrated transmitter assets previously belonging to NTL Inc., now renamed Virgin Media Inc. NTL was set up to run former IBA transmitter masts when the IBA was disbanded in 1990.

The BBC has already selected Arqiva as the preferred supplier of its distribution network and managed transmission service for UK digital terrestrial television.

The move towards having a single broadcast transmission service provider brings the UK into line with most of the rest of the world. However, the transaction could be subject to investigation by the Office of Fair Trading and Ofcom.