Belgian cable operator suspends new on demand service

Telenet, a Flemish cable operator, has decided not to implement a new video on demand service. Telenet had plans to make new episodes of popular American TV series available 24 hours after airing in the US. Apparently, it has succumbed to pressure from TV broadcasters that were afraid such a service would hamper their business.

Telenet is cited to have ‘good relations’ with the TV broadcasters that it does not want to damage with the new service. Only hours after Telenet’s press release stating its intentions, TV broadcasters voiced protests. Under the name Series: Hot from the US Telenet planned to air series like Lost, Desperate Housewives and Grey’s Anatomy. These series are often broadcasted on TV with a considerable lag measured in seasons rather than episodes.

Telenet already offers on demand movies and TV, both under its own name and as an enabler of branded on demand services offered by TV broadcasters.

While it Telenet’s response is understandable, it is also regrettable. Telenet took a step towards increasing accessibility to content that is very relevant to users. In that sense, it could provide a good alternative to illegal file sharing. Downloading recent episodes of TV series is popular amongst file sharers.

On demand access to the newest series in such a service would reward both viewers and the artists and producers that created the work. It’s a shame that TV broadcasters have deemed it necessary to halt this development.