\u201cFirst channel\u201d, one of the major channel in Russia, has accused Russian mobile operators (Russian mobile services (MTS), Megafon and Vimpelcom (Beeline)) of illegal distribution of its content in internet. Such \u201cdistribution\u201d causes a loss in advertisement revenues for First channel. But mobile operators from the \u201cGrand Three\u201d believe they don\u2019t infringe First Channel\u2019s copyright \u2013 everything is in accordance with law.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
As declared Ilya Bulavinov from First Channel, operators of \u201cGrand Three\u201d stream First Channel\u2019s broadcast in internet without proper permission from Channel. \u201cUnfortunately, we must establish that despite the position of Ministry of communication, supposedly not pirate companies, major Russian telecoms, such as MegaFon, MTS and Beeline still stream our broadcast without our permission and awareness.\u201d \u2013 he said. First Channel counts on peaceful resolution of \u201cproblem\u201d, without court\u2019s participation. \u201cColleagues should take our content and integrate there our advertisement. We lose our patience. I address our colleagues to make it till the end of the year, to bring their content in accordance with our requirements.\u201d<\/p>\n
MTS denied all accusations. Representative Dmitry Solodovnikov explained that MTS broadcasts all channels in app MTS TV \u201cin strictly accordance with current legislation\u201d and offers their subscribers access to streaming provided by First Channel, \u201cincluding (access) to all integrated advertising blocks\u201d. \u201cIn order to harmonise the format of broadcasting by MTS it has been negotiated with First Channel and MTS received confirmation in writing from channel stating that broadcasting in app MTS TV is correct\u201d.<\/p>\n
Megafon also broadcast \u201cstrictly in accordance with current legislation\u201d and is \u201cin conversation with First Channel\u201d. Beeline (company Vimpelcom) stated that \u201cunder current law a publicly available content is to be distributed in all available environments, what exactly operators do\u201d.<\/p>\n
Operators believe that under article 32 of the law \u201cabout mass media\u201d distribution of all-Russian publicly available channels, including First Channel, is to be unaltered. MTS believes it relates also to OTT services (like online cinemas).<\/p>\n