Setanta Sports wants mobile virtual network operator accreditation

Wednesday July 9,2014 : IRISH SPORTS BROADCASTER IN MOBILE TALKS
 
Sentanta Sports could use status as MVNO to launch mobile information and betting service.
 
The Irish sports broadcaster Setanta Sports is reportedly in discussions with mobile communications network provider Three Ireland for a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) accreditation, reports The Irish Times.
 
MVNO status would enable Setanta to deliver information and mobile gambling services to its customers on the 3 backbone, enabling the broadcaster to launch a package deal offering TV, phone and mobile broadband services, along with access to Setanta Go, an online website delivering live feeds of all Setanta and BT Sport channels.
 
The European Commission has recently approved Three’s acquisition of O2 Ireland, under conditions to ensure continued competitiveness in the Irish market. Part of this agreement includes Three’s obligation to establish two MVNOs on its network.
 
Deals with UPC and Carphone Warehouse already fill this quota and both these companies have scheduled their mobile network launches for 2015, while Setanta’s network could be live before the end of 2014.
 
Setanta has reportedly hired Leo Hassett, former head of mobile business development at Eircom, to advise on its mobile plans.