DirecTV has changed its programme line up even though it has not had to pull out illegal channels. This follows recent moves by the Telecommunications Authority of T&T (TATT) to ensure that subscription television providers are compliant with intellectual property tights for this region
DirecTV general manager Bernard Pantin told the T&T Guardian the company "has already begun re-packaging our programme line-ups to reflect the more than 20 additional channels we have added during 2015. We expect that many customers will now find this attractive."
Pantin was critical of TATT's actions, saying it was eight years too late. He said DirecTV had been fully compliant since October 2014 and this means "there are no channels which are being broadcast illegally or require removal."
He added: "Many customers have already expressed public outrage for being misled by the providers. We expect that there will be a lot of switching in the market and we look forward to providing customers with an alternative quality choice."
In a public advisory last week, TATT said the clamp down was necessary to ensure T&T is compliant with international property treaties and agreements. Pantin said T&T has been placed on a United States Trade Report (USTR) Special 301 watch list.
"We have made the point to TATT that all illegal broadcasting should cease immediately. We therefore believe that the channels should be taken down no later than September 15," he said.
