ECONOMY Minister Caoimhe Archibald has asked OfCom to review the issue of geoblocking, as efforts continue to resolve the blocking of certain programming on Irish channels for viewers in the north.
Speaking exclusively to the Andersonstown News, Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald said that having recently met with the chair of the OfCom Board, whom she described as "very helpful," there is a willingness on all sides to try and resolve the issue.
"This issue comes up every now and again, it gets a lot of attention when a big match or a Katie Taylor fight is on," said Minister Archibald.
"It causes a lot of frustration for people. We've raised this on a number of occasions with both the British and Irish governments. In recent times, one of my colleagues in the south has brought forward a bill which has been positively received by the minster there."
The Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport in the Republic, Patrick O'Donovan TD, said in September that that he will work to end geo-blocking on television for northern audiences. Ms Archibald said that she and her party had "asked OfCom to review geoblocking and the issues around it a number of months ago", adding that it is a complex issue.
"What is really apparent is that there is no one issue here," she said. "There are things like license agreements, broadcasters, internet service providers, geo-location providers. A number of things can cause these issues. There's no one particular fix, technical or regulatory.
"One of the key recommendations that OfCom have made is that the British and Irish Governments should review their Memorandum of Understanding – which they have had since 2010 – on digital TV services.
"OfCom recommend that it be reviewed so it can remain fit for purpose in the current environment, given that many more people are reviewing TV services online."
Ms Archibald also said that there was no political opposition to finding a solution to geoblocking.
"There are different issues in the fix," she continued, "and it's just trying to find a way through that. That is why OfCom are recommending that the Memorandum of Understanding be looked at.
"It's about trying to get the commitment from the two governments that they would cooperate on this issue and try to prevent it from happening."
Although no firm timeframe was suggested, the Minister is convinced that there is a solution to this problem.
"It is one of those ones that will require some political will to try and find a way forward. Certainly, in my role, I'll be continuing to push both governments. Colleagues in the south will be doing the same. There is willingness to look at this issue. It's about trying to build on that and get a positive solution."
