Tech News
BBC iPlayer threatened by broadband providers
By Stevie Smith
Aug 13, 2007, 14:01 GMT

Despite anticipation surrounding the release of the British Broadcasting Corporation’s much talked about iPlayer, a group of influential UK-based broadband providers are applying pressure to the corporation regarding contributions related to the cost of online video streaming.

More pointedly, an Independent report outlines that major providers such as BT, Carphone Warhouse, and Tiscali are indicating their concerns regarding the possible network strain likely to be imposed by literally hundreds of thousands of online viewers enjoying BBC programming through the incoming iPlayer.

As a result of this network-based concern, it’s possible the BBC will see its iPlayer hit by ‘traffic shaping’ which will restrict the amount of bandwidth it has access to. Any such bandwidth limitation would, in effect, strictly limit the online traffic able to utilise the BBC’s online content player.

"The potential for iPlayer to suck up capacity is a concern and we need a better dialogue with the BBC about that," opined an official Tiscali spokesperson, while the Independent’s news report outlines that "a senior insider at BT" has added that "live debate between ISPs and the BBC" is presently taking place, while also warning that "[network] capacity could become an issue" should the BBC secure the numbers that it’s seeking for iPlayer.

Much like the BBC’s current "Listen Again" audio player that allows online listeners to enjoy radio programming across the prior seven-day period, the new iPlayer will similarly open a completely free seven-day catch up service across its television content. After downloading desired TV material, users will be able to access it instantly for up to 30 days, and able to view it for seven days once accessed.

Industry analysts have suggested that the overall effect of TV broadcasters like the BBC, ITV and Channel 4 all bringing their content online – when combined with the massive popularity of services such as YouTube and Joost – could well see Internet Service Providers (ISPs) capping the specific Internet access of its users.

The BBC iPlayer shifted into its public beta phase on July 27 of this year and is expected to roll out fully in the coming months.