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BBC iPlayer debut on Xbox 360 postponed over costs

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xbox_360_eliteWe wish that someone would explain to whoever is in charge of the Xbox in the UK that as license fee payers, we have already coughed up for the BBC iPlayer and don’t wish to pay again for the privilege.

But that hasn’t stopped Microsoft trying to charge punters again for the honour of being able to watch BBC programmes. But this has irked the BBC as it wants people to be able to enjoy programmes for no further payment. This disagreement has meant that, for now, a deal has been indefinitely postponed.

A source close to the BBC told the Telegraph: “Microsoft only wants to offer its users access to platforms it can charge for as this is the model it is pursuing. It wants to ensure that only those paying for Xbox Live Gold accounts can access its additional content services and even then there is usually a charge on top to get access to those. For example, to access the Sky Player on Xbox, you have to pay for a Gold subscription as well as a Sky subscription.”

They added that “This does not fit with the BBC’s model and Microsoft will not budge at the moment. It is really frustrating for those involved on the BBC side who want to make sure iPlayer is rolled out on as many popular entertainment platforms as possible.”

Oh well – just have to settle for watching “Ross Kemp on Gangs” for now.