Virgin: No change in dispute with Sky

There have been no significant developments in Virgin Media's carriage dispute with Sky, according to Virgin chief executive Neil Berkett.

The Sky Basics channel bouquet, including Sky One, Sky News and Sky Sports News, was dropped from Virgin's cable television service in spring last year, following a disagreement over pricing.

Berkett yesterday poured cold water on rumours that negotiations between the rivals were moving forward.

"The doors are reportedly open at Sky and they are open here," he told investors following the announcement of Virgin's first quarter results. "We have had dialogue from time to time but as of today we still have no conclusion... there is no news to report."

The withdrawal of the Sky channels caused an estimated 40,000 subscribers to leave Virgin in the second quarter of last year.

Virgin filed a legal challenge to Sky's position at the High Court which could come to trial during the summer.