Piracy driving TV revenue in decline, telecom warns
Bermuda’s largest telecom provider, One Communications, warns that rising piracy is undermining its pay-TV business. The company reports a 10% year-on-year drop in TV revenue, attributing the decline to the proliferation of illegal streaming services and unregulated set-top boxes in Bermuda.
In comments submitted to the island’s Regulatory Authority (RA), One argues that unlicensed sellers openly market devices enabling access to pirated TV content, giving them an unfair advantage over licensed providers. They assert the RA once took action against piracy but has since ceased enforcement without explanation.
One suggests the RA should publish a nonbinding list of “legitimate” apps and services so consumers can distinguish legal from pirated options. They further warn that ignoring illegal providers while taxing regulated ones could drive licensed TV services out of the market.
Additionally, regulatory reforms are underway: telecom firms must launch new entry-level packages by October 1 under revised rules, and maximum monthly rates were set ($80 for fixed broadband, $50 for mobile with ≥10 GB) under the RA’s market review.
