BeIN channels off Etisalat’s eLife TV after pair fail to strike deal

BeIN Media’s channels will no longer be available on e&-owned UAE operator Etisalat’s platform after the pair failed to strike terms, e& has announced.

Customers of Etisalat’s eLife TV offering are to receive a monthly discount on their subscriptions to take account of the reduced content offering, starting today. eLife TV customers also have the option to discontinue or change their subscription until September 1 without penalty.

Etisalat is understood to have held out for a significant reduction in fees for beIN’s offering.

The question of whether BeIN will strike a deal with the other major UAE telco, du, remains open, with discussions understood to be ongoing. beIN’s current contract wth du expires at the end of this month.

Etisalat subscribers who wish to continue to receive beIN channels can sign up with beIN directly, notably via streaming service TOD.

The loss of beIN’s channels will mean a significant loss of sports and entertainment content for Etisalat, including the forthcoming Premier League, LaLiga, ligue 1 and Bundesliga seasons, if terms are not struck.

“After lengthy discussions where beIN has tirelessly sought to extend our decade-long partnership with Etisalat, we are disappointed not to be able to renew this relationship at this time,” said a beIN Media Group spokesperson.

“This means beIN’s amazing content will not be available in Etisalat packages. beIN will continue to provide the world’s very best premium sports and entertainment content – including the keynote sports events such as the UEFA Champions League Final and the FA Cup Final – to our valued and loyal subscribers in the UAE through the beIN Satellite Network, the du Network and TOD.”