Published on: 04 September 2025
Published by a LexisNexis TMT expert
The Court of Appeal upheld the CAT’s ruling that Sky’s pay‑television service delivered via digital satellite (Sky Pay TV Service) qualifies as an ECS. As a result, the General Conditions of Entitlement (GCs) governing ECSs bite in full, including consumer safeguards that oblige ECS providers to issue end‑of‑contract notifications (EoCNs) to customers.
In practical terms, the decision confirms that blended content/transmission offerings (Hybrid Services)—even where content is the principal element—do not escape ECS categorisation or the consequent GC obligations. Providers of Hybrid Services (or their connectivity partners) should determine who bears responsibility to end users for conveyance functions, as this is pivotal to whether ECS status arises.
The judgment also settles a two‑stage framework for assessing ECS designation for Hybrid Services:
A provider cannot sidestep ECS classification simply by relying on the predominance of content within the overall, unified Hybrid Service...
When evaluating a general damages claim, the practitioner ought initially to refer to the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG)...
This Practice Note This Practice Note reviews mechanisms used in settling litigation. A Tomlin order consists of a consent order paired with a schedule. It operates to stay proceedings on terms that have been agreed. The provisions contained in the schedule may remain confidential. This Practice Note describes the scope of confidentiality attaching to the schedule and sets out how it differs from a standard consent order. Sample wording for a Tomlin order is included, alongside links to precedents, as well as guidance on court approval. It also addresses varying, setting aside and enforcing a Tomlin order, including the considerations the court will take into account when handling applications for each. Further guidance is provided on interpreting and applying the relevant provisions of the CPR; however, some courts and divisions impose very specific requirements for both drafting and approval, and for approaching the schedule and confidentiality issues. Accordingly, you must consider the particular rules and court guide provisions in the forum where your claim is proceeding when drawing up the Tomlin order...
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