Sky TV handed Slingshot a huge publicity win when it banned the ISP from advertising on the pay television service.
The message here is very clear: We're frightened of Slingshot, we're frightened of competition and we know our monopoly
rent seeking is threatened.
Slingshot GM Taryn Hamilton says the move smacks of protectionism and censorship.
“It’s a sad day when our TV stations start to ban ads because they feel threatened by one of their advertisers and the
products they are offering. In this case Sky is using its position to obstruct Slingshot because they feel intimidated
by Global Mode.
“And the thing is, Global Mode only exists because Kiwis want access to quality streaming video at a good price. When
and if local companies manage to finally crack that, then there will be no need for the service. But, until that time,
people will use services like Global Mode so that they can see decent TV without having to get a second mortgage.”
To Sky's credit, it admitted to Tom Pullar-Strecker of Stuff the reasons for its ban:Sky TV bans Slingshot advertisements .