In the letter Virgin Media said: "It would be more cost effective to build an entirely separate duct and pole network in parallel with BT's existing network".

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Local TV rights fees for individual teams also continue to soar, especially in larger markets as media companies see the 162-games schedule as the key tent-pole to any regional sports network.

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The series, about a team who investigates paranormal mysteries, is being touted as the network's fall tent-pole program.

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"There was a fault in the overhead network caused by the contacts at the top of the pole coming loose and crashing against each other, " she said.

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In terms of popularity, it was the consensus among a panel of network executives that second screen apps for live events -- especially "tent pole" pieces of programming such as award ceremonies -- typically attract the largest number of users.

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