BBC TRUST DECIDES FREESAT.

AS REPORTED BY THE BBC TRUST IN APRIL 2007.

“Yes this is unlikely to affect cable/ satellite by a degree to closure, but would stimulate
innovation.”
“There is room in the TV market for both Free and Pay-tv alike.”
Sample of comments from respondents who believe the proposal is likely to
lead to market exit
“As the BBC will be effectively duplicating the "Freesat from Sky" service it will lead to lessinnovation. The money spent on BBC "Freesat" would be better spent developing
innovations!”
Question 9 – Does the proposal to establish a joint venture and to limit its
activity to marketing and technical co-ordination, leaving set top box
manufacture, retailing and installation to the market go far enough to minimise
the impact of the proposition on the market?
Of the 449 responses to question 9, 89% consider that the proposals go far enough to
minimise the impact of the proposition on the market, while 11% do not.

This conclusion also holds true when looking at responses from organisations, coming in just
1% lower at 88%.

"Do the proposals go far enough to minimise market impact?" 89% said "Yes" and 11% said "No".Do the proposals go far enough tominimise marketimpact?
Yes89%
No11%
YesNo
"The proposal will minimise market impact". Those agreeing were 90% of those categorised as "other", 89% of organisations, 89% of individuals and 88% of organisations. Sample of comments from respondents who believe the proposal will minimise
impact on the market
“Absolutely. You only have to look at Freeview's amazing success to back that statement
up.”
“Yes. But it must encourage other broadcasters, be it national or niche to get involved.”
“Yes and distances the BBC somewhat which is more suitable for a public service body.”
“Generally yes although some consideration will need to be given to influencing manufacture
and installation in the interests of consumers”
“Yes, plus in time it could be incorporated direct into new methods of viewing, like PC
media centres etc.”
“It's the most obvious way - it’s the same model as Freeview and the only sensible way
forward.”
“Yes. Many companies existing and future will benefit from the supply of the equipment
necessary.”
“Absolutely - the trust should not underestimate the market need for this development”
“Yes - it will also mean boxes will be cheaper as companies will be in competition with each
other.” 

BBC TRUST DECIDES.

AS REPORTED BY THE BBC TRUST IN APRIL 2007.

Data Collection and Analysis
Responses from the Trust website and via emailwere received into a central email folder.
Postal responses were directed to the Trust Unit team conducting the analysis. This data
was then manually extracted and analysed.
Questions 1 and 3 were split as follows to enable accurate conclusions to be drawn without
distorting the consultation.
1(a) – Is current access to the BBC's digital services acceptable?
1(b) – should the BBC be taking action to improve access to its digital services in the lead up
to digital switchover?
3(a) – Are the BBC's “Freesat” proposals likely to be valuable and attractive to all licence fee
payers?
3(b) – Are the BBC's “Freesat” proposals likely to be valuable and attractive to licence feepayers who are unable to receive Freeview?
The data was analysed in two ways. Firstly, responses were distilled to give basic yes/noanswers to each question. This data was used to generate the numbers for the quantitative
analyse. Secondly, a representative sample of the detailed comments from each question was
included to form the basis of the qualitative analysis.
Responses from key stakeholders were analysedcarefully as part of this process. Trustees
were given access in full to these responses.
In some instances the responses received were not relevant to the consultation. Some of
these were general enquiries which were referred to BBC Information. Others were
requests for printed copies. Finally, some responses did not answer any of the consultation
questions. These responses were not included in the final analysis.
Confidentiality
The consultation made clear the Trust’s intention to publish responses. Respondents were
given the option to submit a confidential response, in whole or in part. Where respondents
request confidentiality in whole no element of their response will be published. Where
respondents request confidentiality in part the relevant information will be withheld.
Publication
It is expected that the Trust will publish all responses made on behalf of organisations,
except as discussed above. The responses from individuals have been analysed as part of this
report.