EU regulators are to investigate whether BSkyB has used its exclusive contracts with channels such as Disney and Discovery to stifle competition.
The broadcaster's exclusive agreements stop the programmers from offering some channels to ITV Digital
Mr Michael Tscherny, spokesman for EU Competition Commissioner Mr Mario Monti, says the European Commission is "beginning to look into" a complaint from a competitor, whom he declined to identify.
"The complaint alleges that the exclusive contracts contravene EU competition rules, are illicit agreements and have a potential for abuse," Mr Tscherny said.
BSkyB says the Commission's questions focus on exclusive agreements between BSkyB and programmers such as Discovery Communications.
BSkyB called the complaint groundless and said it was preparing a response for the Commission.
PA