Sky Deutschland strikes deal with Tele Columbus

German pay-TV provider Sky Deutschland and cable operator Tele Columbus are to harmonise their digital TV offers so that Tele Columbus subscribers will only require one set-top box to view both Tele Columbus and Sky pay-TV services.

The move, which will come ahead of the forthcoming football season, will see the pair simulcrypt their services in both NDS VideoGuard and Nagravision conditional access. Sky’s premium services will be available via Tele Columbus boxes while Tele Columbus’s basic package, which includes the HD services of RTL and ProSiebenSat.1, will be available via Sky boxes attached to the cable network.

The pair have also agreed to cooperate in marketing their services.

Separately, Sky Deutschland has acquired the exclusive German rights to show the US Open, British Open and PGA Championship golf for the next three years. The package includes internet and mobile rights for both Germany and Austria.