Top sports and movies to be available to the masses

Matt Wheeler, communications expert at uSwitch.com, says: "Today's news is a triumph for sports fans and a triumph for movie fans. It heralds a new dawn in broadcasting where consumers can enjoy watching their favourite sports events or movies without having to pay through the nose.

"Sky has always had a stranglehold on subscription broadcasting in the UK. Forcing them to drop the prices that they charge their rivals to air the content will undoubtedly spark a price war that can only be good news for consumers. More competition means more choice for consumers and cheaper deals. With households still having to count their pennies it couldn't come at a better time.

"However, Sky invests billions of pounds to create and deliver a premium sports service. An enforced cut in their revenues could impact on the quality of content they are willing and able to produce moving forward - they have to recoup their costs somehow.

"Sky also now has the freedom to air its own pay TV channels on Freeview. This will be welcome news to consumers that want to watch top quality sports or movies without having to put a dish on their roof. It's also great news for those living outside the Sky or cable reception areas. Top sports and movies will soon be available to the masses."