Free-TV network, SBS, has seized broadcast rights for every remaining World Cup match, following a fortnight of technical issues from Optus Sports – a debacle set to lose Optus over $8 million.
Last week Optus CEO, Allen Lew, handed 6 group games to SBS, while the telco attempted to fix streaming issues.
Despite intervention from Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, Mr Lew claimed technical issues would be fixed early last week.
I have spoken with the Optus CEO, Allen Lew. He assures me he is giving the World Cup streaming problems his personal attention and he believes it will be fixed this evening.
— Malcolm Turnbull (@TurnbullMalcolm) 18 June 2018
Optus has today announced it will broadcast all remaining World Cup games in conjunction with SBS, with free Optus Sports access available until August 31st.
Paid Optus Sports’ World Cup subscribers are also set to be refunded.
The cost of Optus’ World Cup debacle is tipped to exceed $8 million in paid rights, after factoring in expensive marketing activities.
Despite its concession, Mr Lew claims “technical issues” during opening weekend have been “addressed”, with the overall matter a learning experience.
“Our customers and viewers have been the priority in our decision making, and that’s why we have provided several ways to watch the matches, offered refunds and introduced a range of measures to address the technical issues experienced by some Optus Sport viewers,” Lew asserts.
Time for @TurnbullMalcolm and everyone else involved to fix this unacceptable non coverage of the @FIFAWorldCup ! Shameful
— Robbie Slater (@RobbieSlater17) 17 June 2018
