Cable Europe calls for streamlined copyright clearance
April 3, 2018
By Colin Mann
European broadband cable industry trade body Cable Europe has warned that cable operators may not be able to provide the full range of portability services permissible from April 1st because of the complexities surrounding copyright clearance for ‘online’ content.
Cable Europe welcomes the move which it suggests will enable European consumers to reap the benefits of the new Content Portability Regulation.
“However, it’s not the whole story,” says Cable Europe. “In order, the service provider needs to have acquired a range of content rights. Crucially, this includes the out-of-home rights which allow a customer to watch a TV show online when away from his home.
According to Cable Europe, the draft SatCab regulation, which is currently being examined by the European Parliament and Council, holds the key for this to happen. “There is an urgent need to improve the legal framework for the licensing of TV programmes, and to take the opportunity to present a coherent framework in the interests of European citizens,” it contends.
Cable Europe calls upon both the European Parliament and the Member States to ensure that the SatCab regulation delivers the necessary streamlining of online copyright clearance, for the benefit and enjoyment of all European consumers.