Boxer DTT bid implodes: BCI pleads with Eircom et al to rescue digital television

So Boxer's improbable DTT bid has finally run out of steam. This was always a tall order for this consortium (this blog has said so repeatedly). But it put on a slick bid with some fancy promises and soundbytes when the public tenders were being heard. And now (courtesy of a BCI press release)...

"The Broadcasting Commission of Ireland (BCI) has today (April 20th) confirmed the decision of Boxer DTT Limited (‘Boxer’) to withdraw its applications for the three DTT Multiplex Contracts. Boxer has cited prevailing and anticipated economic circumstances, in addition to challenges in successfully concluding a contract with RTÉ Networks Limited, to the satisfaction of both parties, for the provision of transmission services."

Prevailing economic circumstances. Right. Just roll out the old reliable excuse du jour, eh?

"The BCI is now seeking confirmation from One Vision [Eircom, Setanta, TV3], the second placed applicant in the DTT licensing competition, that it is interested in pursuing contract negotiations with the BCI and is in a position to do so, in the event that the BCI were to award, in principle, the contracts to One Vision."

In other words, please bail us out of this mess: we got the award wrong.

According to BCI chairman, Conor Maguire: “Obviously the Commission is disappointed that this most recent development in relation to the commercial DTT multiplex contracts has occurred, and we are cognisant of the significant endeavours of all the parties involved to date. However the BCI is committed to pursuing its policy objectives with regard to digital terrestrial television and will continue its work in this regard...”

Yeah yeah, blah blah blah.

Comments

[Francis Mahon]

We can probably be thankful that 'prevailing economic conditions' caused Boxer to pull the plug.

(These 'conditions' the shortage of capital means that investors and lenders are actually inclined to conduct due diligence before parting with their cash, instead of bankrolling every 'entrepreneur' with a sharp suit and a 'back-of-a-beer-mat' business plan.)

Otherwise they would continue to stumble around in circles, leaving television in this country's indigenous broadcasters in the digital dark ages.

At least now, if One Vision chooses to take on the job, we may actually get a DTT platform operational in the medium term.

[Adrian Weckler]

But will One Vision even be interested now? Or is RTE the only outfit that can make anything of this now?