DStv installation voucher changes to stop fraud?
DStv installation vouchers may soon switch from a paper-based system to an electronic system using barcodes or other single-use codes linked to a central database, industry sources with knowledge of the plans have told MyBroadband.
There was some speculation that as part of the change, MultiChoice would be discontinuing its R599 decoder + installation voucher deal.
A spokesperson for MultiChoice said that although they constantly review their products and services, no decision had been taken to stop the offer.
“MultiChoice’s existing installation voucher system is currently being actively marketed as part of our ongoing customer acquisition drive,” the spokesperson said. “It is a great way for new customers to join DStv as the R599 covers both decoder and installation costs.”
The spokesperson said that any changes will be communicated to their customers and strategic partners, such as accredited installers.
Installation voucher system abuses reported
The planned change to an electronic voucher system comes after multiple industry sources told MyBroadband that MultiChoice employees were implicated in a scheme where installation vouchers where redeemed more than once.
Industry commentators said that this amounted to fraud as the vouchers are only meant to be valid for the installation of a dish and decoder at a single location.
Asked about the alleged fraud, MultiChoice did not confirm whether it centred around its installation voucher system, but did reveal that some individuals were being taken through the company’s disciplinary process.
“Recently some employees and service providers to MultiChoice engaged in behaviours that are not in line with company policies,” a MultiChoice spokesperson told MyBroadband earlier in 2013.
MultiChoice declined to provide any further details on the matter, saying that they are internal issues, but assured us that the incidents are isolated.
“MultiChoice has policies in place to ensure all employees and service providers act with integrity and honesty,” the company said.
OpenView HD, Freevision installation vouchers
Some distributors and manufacturers involved in the newly launched (and relaunched) subscription-free satellite TV platforms, OpenView HD and Freevision, are already set to use electronic installation vouchers.
A spokesperson for one such company, Telergy Connect, has told MyBroadband that it expects to use a system similar to the one used by cellular providers for pre-paid airtime.
Telergy explained that a voucher is allocated at a point-of-sale terminal and printed on a till slip, after which it can be redeemed only once.
Telergy will use a system similar to the way pre-paid airtime is sold. A voucher is allocated at a POS system and printed on a till slip and is redeemable only once.
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