BSkyB (Sky Broadband) has officially suspended the introduction of its much delayed Picnic service (related news), which would have combined a new set of Freeview based pay-TV channels with a broadband and phone service. In a statement the operator put the blame squarely at Ofcom's feet, something the regulator strongly refutes:


However Ofcom has been quick to issue a statement of its own (here), which is rare enough in itself but also points to several seemingly deliberate attempts by Sky to extend its investigation process:


The result is that Sky will shortly begin redeploying as many of the Picnic team as possible to other parts of the business, which could affect between 30 and 60 people depending on whom you speak with.

Thankfully all may not be lost, with Sky being keen to stress that it continued to believe in the Picnic product and pledging to review the package once there's some certainty surrounding its situation.