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Nine delays new iPad app amid Telstra legal threat

After Telstra protests over online and mobile rights for the NRL, Nine delays the launch of its iPad app, Nine Extra.

Nine has been forced to delay the launch of its iPad app, Nine Extra, planned to time with the third State of Origin game due to the threat of legal challenges by Telstra.

Telstra had raised concerns over the “live game” companion because it believes it conflicts with its online and mobile rights. Nine has free-to-air NRL broadcast rights.

However today a spokesperson announced it would delay the launch until later.

“Nine Extra will not be in operation for the Harvey Norman State of Origin three following a threat from Telstra to attempt to block the move in court,” they said in a statement.

“Nine had developed the app for the benefit of rugby league fans and is disappointed it cannot be replicated for game three, particularly after the enormous interest it has already created.

“Nine does not want any controversy to interfere with the success of the Harvey Norman State of Origin series, nor does it wish to embroil the NRL in any legal proceedings, so Nine Extra will not be available for the time being.

“Nine, however, is pursuing development of Nine Extra with a view to utilising this newly designed technology for Rugby World Cup 2011, the Spring Racing Carnival, Nine’s international summer of cricket, plus a host of other exciting opportunities.”

Nine’s Director of Broadcast Operations, Geoff Sparke, added: “This is very much work in progress. While we are disappointed that Nine Extra will not be available for the Origin decider we fully expect to be able to roll it out down the track for a host of other sporting events.”

10 Responses

  1. The problem is that Telstra has got streaming rights, but it doesn’t work well on iPhone, because there’s no extra application for it. You must use the web browser and purchase additional Sport packs in order to access it. It seems good deal for Telstra, but lousy for NRL fans.

  2. as if 9 could ever get away with that. of course streaming something you dont have rights to is a breach of deal with the one that does have the rights.

  3. based on the agreement it does seem telstra have a case, although if they don’t make a orgin app of there own , and stop nine from doing so it’s ultimate the viewer that misses out.

  4. I’m assuming the controversy is that Telstra holds the streaming rights to the NRL – if this is the case, then what the hell were Nine even thinking in the first place?

    How about they stream their News bulletins online (for catchup) and on iPad, and all their other content, and worry about infringing on others’ rights at a later date.

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