Oftel also has power over another area of concern: the electronic programme guide, which directs viewers around the system.

ECONOMIST: Digital television

But this would mean losing out on subscriptions from Sky users - and Sky could move its channels to a less favourable position on its electronic programme guide.

BBC: Sky and MTV in cash row

They will increasingly control their own scheduling, with personal video recorders and an electronic programme guide, which viewers can instruct to record all the week's comedy, say, or gardening shows.

ECONOMIST: The BBC