Telecoms firm Digicel could be shaping up for a showdown with cable TV firm CableVision.

The firm best known for phones in Bermuda has been muscling in on the TV market overseas — and announced yesterday that it had bought a controlling interest in the St Lucia-based International Media Content (IMC), which owns the Caribbean sports channel SportsMax and North American broadcaster CEEN-TV.

SportsMax — which is carried on CableVision and WOW in Bermuda — is the Caribbean’s first and sole 24-hour sports cable channel, which features English Premier League football, the Champions League, as well as West Indies cricket and other top Caribbean sports.

In a shot across CableVision’s bows last month, recently-appointed CEO Alistair Beak described CableVision as “dated” as he announced that Digicel would offer internet-based movie and TV provider Netflix free for up to a year for qualifying customers.

Digicel has also acquired cable TV firms in Anguilla, Dominica, Jamaica, Montserrat, Nevis and Turks & Caicos.

Digicel Bermuda chief Alistair Beak did not return calls from The Royal Gazette by press time yesterday.

But group CEO Colm Delves said: “As a complete communications solutions provider, it’s all about ensuring our customers enjoy access to the best multi-media content on the best devices via the very best network and that we meet all of their communication, entertainment and networking needs.

“SportsMax represents the perfect blend of sports entertainment and infotainment with a Caribbean flavour and I would like to take this opportunity to welcome the teams to the Digicel family.”

IMC and SportsMax chairman Patrick Rousseau added: “Our commitment to excellence and blazing a trail across the region mirrors Digicel’s own commitment to delivering the very best for its customers.

“We are delighted to be joining with them and working together to continue delivering the best sports on television and growing our audience and reach across the Caribbean and North America.

Bermuda Telecoms firm KeyTech earlier this month completed the takeover of WestStar TV in the Caymans through its subsidiary WestTel Ltd (Logic Cayman).

The move meant KeyTech also took a controlling interest in CableVision through WestStar’s stake in the firm as well as owning the Caymans TV provider outright.