Italy's Telepiu, Stream OK deal on boxes

World Brief

By VARIETY STAFF

Pay TV operators Telepiu and Stream have reached an agreement on the use of open digital TV decoders.

By March, the two providers will introduce the simul-crypt broadcasting, which will leave most existing boxes unchanged.

Before the introduction of the system, Telepiu and Stream will grant special discounts to their subscribers.

But Italy's Media Authority and national consumers' associations said the deal is too vague. The authority has given the two broadcasters 10 days to supply further information.

Vice minister for communications Vincenzo Vita said the operators were finally going in the right direction, even if the pact has to be improved.