Bedfellows no more? It’s Foxtel versus Telstra in battle for online subscribers
In this cross-posting from The Conversation Marc C-Scott of Victoria University argues recent moves by Tesltra and Foxtel make them competitors in the video streaming space.
Foxtel has previously been coy about confirming speculation it is planning to launch a service that will compete with Telstra TV and Apple TV.
But new chief executive Peter Tonagh has now told reporters that it would ‘maximise’ all its distribution platforms, leading to speculation it would launch against part-owner Telstra’s own device.
His comments come amid reports Telstra is considering a A$4.5 billion initial public offering or sale of its 50% Foxtel stake.
Telstra has never been able to resolve the inherent conflict in owning 50% of Foxtel while seeking to provide digital media products and services to Foxtel’s competitors. The more fragmented the sector becomes the more acute that issue becomes.