DStv, Top TV package uncertainty

Pay TV operators MultiChoice and On Digital Media (ODM) have confirmed that they have been issued with compliance notices by the National Consumer Commission (NCC) regarding their contracts.

The NCC also wants MultiChoice’s DStv and ODM’s Top TV to unbundle their channel bouquets to allow subscribers to select which channels they want. In addition, the commission wants channel selection grouped into genres.

Channel bouquets are apparently in contravention of a provision in the Consumer Protection Act that speaks against the bundling of services.

The act states that suppliers may not require consumers to purchase additional goods or services, or to enter into an additional agreement or transaction unless it can be shown that:

• The convenience to the consumer in having those goods or services 
bundled outweighs the limitation of the consumer’s right to choice;
• The bundling of those goods or services results in economic benefit 
for consumers;
• Bundled goods or services are available separately and at individual prices.

MultiChoice’s only comment on the issue came from its head of corporate affairs, Jackie Rakitla: “We have received the notice and are considering it.”

A Top TV spokesperson said that their compliance and legal department are talking to the NCC regarding the unbundling.

Top TV went on to apologise for not answering specific questions about what is happening, explaining that they need to understand exactly what the issues are before they can comment further.

“I will be able to shed further light on the issue later on in the week,” the Top TV spokesperson promised.