ATLAS COMMUNICATIONS REQUESTS LICENCE

THE Independent Television Commission (ITC) has received an application from Atlas Communications (UK) Limited for a non-exclusive delivery service licence to provide television services using the latest xDSL technology.
The DSL equipment will be connected to the customer utilising BT’s Local Loop.
Atlas Communications (UK) Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Republic of Ireland-based Eircom plc (formerly Telecom Eireann). Atlas Communications’ target market is to include business and residential services within Northern Ireland.
Atlas has committed to serve only the minimum of 1001 homes in the 15-year licence period, but expects to serve many more than this as xDSL is rolled out across the country.
A nominal cash bid of £1 has been made and the ITC has set the percentage of qualifying revenue to be paid for non-exclusive services in all areas of the UK.
The next step is for the ITC to consult the Communications and Information Industries Directorate of the Department of Trade & Industry (DTI) and the Office of Telecommunications (Oftel) to establish that the technical plan proposed is acceptable.
Atlas must satisfy the ITC that the company will be able to maintain its service throughout the period of the licence.
The ITC will be evaluating the confidential financial information submitted and may seek additional details if necessary.
A decision on the award of licence is expected to be announced in the autumn of this year.
The licence, if awarded, would come into force from January1, 2001, when all existing cable and local delivery franchise areas become non-exclusive.