Sky - and others such as Carphone Warehouse - have been given a huge leg-up by watchdogs anxious to boost broadband competition. Forcing BT to open up its network to rivals has worked, bringing down prices. The gang of four - and BT in particular - might argue they're looking for similar help. The difference is the foundations of BT's network were laid using taxpayers' cash. Sky's network - despite being built with private money - is already open to rivals. Setanta won the auction for some Premiership football. It's proof that film and sports' rights are up for grabs - if firms are willing to pay for them. 1990 British Sky Broadcasting was formed after a merger of Sky Television and BSB. It has more than eight million UK subscribers and employs more than 16,000 staff.