Field Fisher Waterhouse advises on key UK digital TV deal
25 February 2009
Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP has successfully advised DTT
Multiplex Operators Limited (DMOL), a consortium of digital
television multiplex operators, on a deal with Siemens IT Solutions
and Services Limited for the delivery of business-critical digital
TV services in the UK.
Following the launch of digital terrestrial television in 1998,
the UK Government licensed the broadcast of digital channels by
dividing the digital platform into six groups or
‘multiplexes’. DMOL is a joint venture between the operators
of those six multiplexes; Arqiva, the BBC, Digital 3 & 4
(itself a joint venture between ITV and Channel 4) and SDN (owned
by ITV). The services that Siemens IT Solutions and Services
Limited provides facilitate the delivery of critical programme
service information, such as programme and schedule information
displayed through set-top-boxes and data used by personal video
recorders. Siemens IT Solutions and Services is also involved
in a wider delivery of technology services to digital television
providers, including some DMOL members.
This deal sees the restructuring of the current arrangements for
the provision of key digital TV services in the UK.
Field Fisher Waterhouse technology
partner David Naylor led on the deal and
was assisted by associate Robert
Blamires. The firm also previously advised on the creation
of the joint venture. This deal reflects the firm’s strength
in the digital media sector; over the past 12 months or so the firm
has advised clients such as Apple, the BBC, Digital UK and
Google.
David Naylor said: “We are delighted
to have advised DMOL, which is now in a position to represent
multiplex operators in the procurement of this key digital TV
service for the UK.”
The commercial team from Siemens IT Solutions and Services
Limited was represented by its in-house legal team.
For further press information please
contact:
Louise Eckersley, PR Manager,
Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP on +44 (0)20 7861 4120.