The Competition Commission has referred a pay-TV market collusion complaint against MultiChoice South Africa and Altech UEC South Africa to the Competition Tribunal for prosecution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Commission alleged that the companies entered into an agreement to divide markets, in contravention of the Competition Act.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to the Commission, the complaint was lodged with the Tribunal on 15 April 2026, and concerns conduct dating back to February 2014.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Altech manufactured set-top boxes used to operate subscription-based television services, while MultiChoice provides pay-TV services using these devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
MultiChoice sourced set-top boxes from Altech, making the companies part of the same pay-TV supply chain in South Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe Commission\u2019s investigation revealed that in February 2014, MultiChoice and Altech reached an agreement for Altech not to enter or compete in the pay-TV market where MultiChoice operates,\u201d it said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis arrangement constitutes division of markets by allocating suppliers or a specific type of goods or services.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Competition Commission is asking the Tribunal to impose an administrative penalty of up to 10% of their respective annual turnover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n