News
News
Arrests in UK-wide streaming crackdown
In one of the largest operations to date , UK intellectual property protection body FACT and partners , including Sky , have taken action across the country to combat illegal streaming and the use of unlawfully modified Firestick devices .
In a month-long coordinated and sequenced nationwide surge , FACT and police targeted individuals providing unauthorised access to premium TV content , including film , television and live sporting events .
From Essex to Dundee , 40 illegal IPTV operators were identified , investigated , and served with official warnings . Cease-anddesist notices were delivered in person by FACT and police , and through post and email , instructing those running the services to immediately halt their illegal activity or face criminal prosecution . The operation targeted individuals across the UK , including London , South East England , West Midlands , North
From Essex to Dundee , 40 illegal IPTV operators were identified , investigated , and served with official warnings .
West , North East , North Wales and Scotland .
These notices are part of a broader campaign to disrupt and dismantle piracy operations . Three warrants were also served leading to the arrest of a 42-year-old man in Nottingham , a 51-yearold man from Widnes and a 52-year-old man in Stockton-on-Tees . Digital devices and ‘ fully loaded ’ smart TV devices or Firesticks were also seized from the addresses and are currently undergoing forensic examination by FACT .
Additionally , Sky actively works to remove listings and social media posts selling illegal IPTV subscriptions and ‘ loaded ’ Firesticks in the UK and Ireland . During this intensification period they removed over 3,000 .
This targeted intensification period over June and July has already proven highly effective . It has resulted in the majority of illegal services being taken down and their advertising removed from platforms such as Facebook , Instagram , TikTok , and X .
FACT works with sports rights holders and broadcast partners , including Sky , The Premier League , TNT Sports and Virgin Media , to investigate and prosecute suppliers of illegal streaming services , other IP crimes , and those accessing illegal content . Illegal IPTV undermines broadcasters ’ rights by diverting revenue streams , enabling users to access premium content without providing proper compensation .
“ These measures underscore the serious consequences of engaging in such illicit activities ,” stated Kieron Sharp , FACT CEO . “ We thank the police services involved for their invaluable assistance in this operation , particularly Cheshire , Nottinghamshire and the North East Regional Crime Unit for executing the warrants .”
“ The rise in illegal IPTV operators using modified Firesticks to unlawfully access premium content is a growing concern . This not only infringes upon copyright laws but deprives content creators and distributors of their rightful earnings and disrupts the economic balance of the creative industry .”
“ FACT and our partners are steadfast in our commitment to disrupt these criminal operations . This is just the start of our enforcement efforts , with more actions planned .”
“ The action taken by FACT , police and Sky across the country sends a strong message to those involved in illegal streaming operations that they will be identified , and they will face consequences ,” added Matt Hibbert , group director of anti-piracy at Sky . “ We are very grateful to our partners for this latest wave of enforcement , and we will continue to work together to protect consumers from the risks of illegal streams . To this end , Sky proudly supports educational campaigns , including BeStreamWise . com , which highlights the risks of piracy and directs consumers to safe ways to enjoy the content they love .”
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Vodafone , MasOrange in Spain fibre JV
Vodafone Spain and
MasOrange have signed terms
that set out proposals for
a national network sharing
agreement .
The proposed transaction
will involve Vodafone Spain
and MasOrange creating a
joint fibre network company
( FibreCo ) that will cover
approximately 11.5m premises
across Spain and will provide
fibre access services to
both companies within this
footprint .
The initial ownership split
of the FibreCo between the
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two operators will be based on customer numbers within the footprint .
The Parties plan to bring a third-party financial investor into the share capital of the new company that will take a 40 % share . MasOrange is expected to own 50 % with Vodafone Spain owning the remaining 10 %.
The new enterprise aims to provide access to a modern fibre optic network , with Zegona , Vodafone Spain ’ s
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parent company following its 2023 acquisition , suggesting that it will aim to adopt new technologies , while stimulating investment and innovation .
It also aims to meet high ESG standards thanks to energy savings compared to existing networks .
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“ Creating this new FibreCo in partnership with MasOrange is a key part of our plan to transform Vodafone Spain ,” commented Eamonn O ’ Hare , chairman and CEO of Zegona .
“ It will deliver a highly efficient fibre infrastructure for our customers with leading fixed line technology which will be at the forefront of the industry . The Proposed Transaction is expected to create significant incremental value for all Zegona stakeholders . We will have more news to share as we progress the transaction to completion .”
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4 EUROMEDIA |
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