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RSS feedsTiscali has criticised the BBC following suggestions that internet service providers (ISPs) might be limiting user access to the broadcaster's iPlayer application.
ISPs are concerned about the increased load that such TV-on-demand sites are placing on their networks. Regulator Ofcom has warned that the cost of renewed infrastructure required to support such services could amount to £830m by 2011
Last week Ashley Highfield, head of future media at the BBC, threatened to " name and shame" providers that are restricting iPlayer traffic. But now Simon Gunter, head of strategy at Tiscali, has accused the broadcaster of aggravating a difficult situation.
"The question is about whether we invest in extra capacity or go to the consumer and ask them to pay a BBC tax," said Gunter.
"Inflammatory comments about blacklisting ISPs do not help. There seems to be a lack of understanding about how networks are built. Either we are not explaining it properly or it is falling on deaf ears."
But the increased strain caused by the iPlayer is small enough to be manageable, according to Highfield.
"We estimate that currently the iPlayer is having between 3-5 per cent impact on the network," he said.
See also:
Embedded video will encourage users to view and share content, says broadcaster 26 Mar 2008
A beta test version allows users to stream shows to their devices via WiFi 07 Mar 2008More than 17 million programmes have been downloaded so far, says broadcaster 20 Feb 2008All Public Sector IT Tags: Innovation, Communications
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