Orange has cut the TV channels of rival Altice France on its TV platform. Customers can no longer watch BFMTV, RMC Ecouverte and RMC Story after the companies were unable to reach agreement on a new distribution deal. Sources close to the talks told Le Figaro that the operators hope to reach a new deal soon in order to restore the channels within 24 hours.
Orange is the second operator to drop the channels, after Free did so a week ago. The operators are disputing the additional compensation requested by Altice for carrying its channels and services. Altice is looking to monetise the channels better, after spending significant amounts to boost its sports rights and other content, and claims the telecom operators already agreed similar deals with the broadcasters TF1 and M6.
Orange and Free claim the additional services offered by Altice do not compare with what was agreed with TF1 and M6. Altice has reportedly lowered its demands to around EUR 1 million for the three channels, Le Figaro's sources said. Orange said it remains open to negotiations.
Altice announced later at a press conference on BFMTV's autumn line-up that Orange could take the channels free, RTL reported. The same proposition, to take the channels without any associated services, would be made to Free, said Alain Weill, CEO of Altice France.
