Magnet to offer television channels for free

Irish broadband provider Magnet Networks is to offer free online access to a number of domestic television channels with no requirement for a TV licence.

The company said as part of its 10mbps broadband offering, customers would be able to view RTE1, Network 2, TG4 and Bubble Hits on their computers.

Mark Kellett, Magnet's chief executive said users would be able to pause and rewind programmes. "It is the first example of true convergence", he said. Talks with other broadcasters were underway, he added.

Magnet said its legal advice was that no TV licence would be required for users of this service who did not already hold a licence.

He said the system was not designed to facilitate TV licence avoidance and nor was Magnet seeking to make money from the content.

"It is an example of how quickly the market is changing and the range of services and is going to become more complex and advanced. This is going to create challenges for the regulator. It is the first example of true convergence", he said.

In a statement this evening the Department for Communications said "whether or not a television licence is required is ultimately determined by nature of the "receiving device."

"If the device (in this case laptop or PC) is capable of exhibiting television broadcasts (on its own or with another device such as television card or similar device) it then requires a television licence."

"If the device can't access television broadcasts (accessing the world wide web would not be regarded as receiving a television broadcast) then it doesn't require a television licence."

Magnet also today launched a boost feature for its broadband customers which allows customers to increase their broadband speed for a number of hours.

This is to allow people download games, movies or photos more quickly.

Mr Kellett said by the end of the year around 11,000 household would have access to its fibre-based triple-play bundled telephone, broadband and TV services. "There is a roughly 90 per cent take-up of the service where it is available," he said.

Last week it emerged the company had been given an additional €55 million of Equity from its US-based parent Colombia Ventures Corporation (CVC).