It looks like being a frustrating winter for some cricket fans with the Nine Network and Foxtel once again at loggerheads regarding retransmission fees for the Gem HD channel.
The issue which effects Foxtel customers that rely on a satellite signal to deliver Freeview channels is causing a number of cricket fans to miss out on this Ashes series.
Unlike past tours of England, the Nine Network holds exclusive broadcast rights for this Ashes Tour and has made the decision to broadcast it on the Gem HD channel.
Gem is not available on Foxtel satellite due to the Nine Network refusing to pay a retransmission fee to Optus whom own the satellite service that Foxtel uses. A similar situation occurs with 7Mate.
A Foxtel spokesperson told this website today “Unfortunately Nine Network has elected not to pay Optus to have Gem carried on the Foxtel satellite platform. As a result Foxtel satellite only customers are unable to receive the channel. MyStar customers who have a terrestrial tuner in their box and iQ3 customers will be able to receive the channel via their terrestrial antenna. Foxtel regrets that, for commercial reasons, Nine has made this decision and we would be willing to include Gem if Nine changes its position.” “Seven has elected not to pay Optus for access to the satellite, therefore the service is not available to those (Foxtel Satellite) customers.”
A Nine Network spokesperson refused to accept responsibility for the issue today telling this website, “It is a Foxtel issue – we provide the ashes live and free to all Australians on Gem”
Both Nine and Seven argue that Foxtel should be paying the retransmission fee to Optus as the HD channels are providing a benefit to Foxtel customers. Foxtel argues that the Free to Air networks should be paying the fee as the increased audience is of benefit to those networks advertisers.
Foxtel IQ3 satellite customers are able to able to view GEM and 7Mate provided they are able to connect the set-top box to an external antenna. Effected viewers should consult with neighbouring premises or a qualified TV Technician to see if Free to Air channels are available in your area.
