StarHub, SingTel squabble over Premier League content proposal

SingTel bagged the exclusive broadcast rights to the BPL, the crown jewel of pay-TV content in the city-state, in October, which has since sparked off a series of competitive sports content promotions by both telcos. StarHub is expected to lose subscribers once its coverage of the BPL comes to an end.

SingTel’s CEO Allen Lew started the war of words by describing StarHub’s offer to host SingTel content as “three years too late”.

A statement issued by StarHub, the city's second-largest telco, retorted: “References to what could have been proposed three years ago have no relevance." 

The statement continued: “We could say the same about a number of things in the telco space that our competitors could have done over the past 10 years that would have made the playing field more level. So, rather than going into a discussion on what could have been done years ago, it would be more fruitful to move on and discuss what can be done for consumers going forward.”

StarHub also highlighted the need and benefits for a new universal set-top box rather than introducing another proprietary set-top box for local consumers.

“It is very clear that most StarHub TV customers who want access to BPL in the future while also enjoying the other branded content from StarHub do not want to wrestle with two set-top boxes, more wiring and multiple connections. The sub-agenda for each of us is transparent. Each operator would like to have its set-top box as the preferred box in the home. That is one reason why StarHub is making the proposal, and the only reason why our competitor would not accept it. But we believe our agenda is very much aligned with public interest and consumers' wishes.”

According to one local industry source, the ongoing dispute could mean something is in the works behind the scenes.

The source pointed out that the furore is not just about the broadcast of the BPL and sports content but rather the wholesale carriage of channels by one broadcaster.

He added that in overseas markets, there are deals in which pay-TV operators can share and buy content and channels, but the intense rivalry between the two local telcos has stifled this opportunity which would boost the pay-TV industry in the city-state.