Dish TV served notice on free set-top-boxes
NEW DELHI: Alleging Dish TV's 'free set-top box' offer was an anti-competitive and deceptive act, its rival firm Tata Sky on Friday filed a petition against the Direct- to-Home operator (DTH) with fair trade regulator Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Prac tices Commission (MRTPC).
TataSky contended before the MRTPC that Dish TV was indulging in deceptive advertisements as the set-top boxes (STB) being given out by Dish TV were not for free and was in violation with the MRTP Act, 1969.
Admitting the petition of the TataSky, a 80:20 joint venture between Tata Sons and broadcast major Star India, the MRTPC Bench headed by Justice Mr O P Dwivedi issued notice to Dish TV and directed it to file its reply in two weeks.
During the proceeding of the commission, the counsel appearing for TataSky alleged that Zee group-promoted Dish TV claimed in its advertisement campaign in print and electronic media that its STB were being given for free, which was not the case.
"It is intended directly to deal with its main competitor (TataSky)... By this they are trying to mislead consumers in the market."
As a competitor I could not compel or suggest our rival on any pricing issue. We have no objection in making free for nothing... But cannot allow them to use unfair and uncompetitive practices," submitted TataSky's counsel.
TataSky also submitted that in some schemes, the company (Dish TV) was charging rentals for STP through agreements.
In terms of market share, Dish TV is the leading player in the DTH space with over three million subscribers, while the rival TataSky had recently crossed the two million subscribers mark.
DTH operator also submitted a STB before the Commission contending that it was not free as price was mentioned over the box. - PTI
The Hindu Business Line : Dish TV served notice on free set-top-boxes
NEW DELHI: Alleging Dish TV's 'free set-top box' offer was an anti-competitive and deceptive act, its rival firm Tata Sky on Friday filed a petition against the Direct- to-Home operator (DTH) with fair trade regulator Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Prac tices Commission (MRTPC).
TataSky contended before the MRTPC that Dish TV was indulging in deceptive advertisements as the set-top boxes (STB) being given out by Dish TV were not for free and was in violation with the MRTP Act, 1969.
Admitting the petition of the TataSky, a 80:20 joint venture between Tata Sons and broadcast major Star India, the MRTPC Bench headed by Justice Mr O P Dwivedi issued notice to Dish TV and directed it to file its reply in two weeks.
During the proceeding of the commission, the counsel appearing for TataSky alleged that Zee group-promoted Dish TV claimed in its advertisement campaign in print and electronic media that its STB were being given for free, which was not the case.
"It is intended directly to deal with its main competitor (TataSky)... By this they are trying to mislead consumers in the market."
As a competitor I could not compel or suggest our rival on any pricing issue. We have no objection in making free for nothing... But cannot allow them to use unfair and uncompetitive practices," submitted TataSky's counsel.
TataSky also submitted that in some schemes, the company (Dish TV) was charging rentals for STP through agreements.
In terms of market share, Dish TV is the leading player in the DTH space with over three million subscribers, while the rival TataSky had recently crossed the two million subscribers mark.
DTH operator also submitted a STB before the Commission contending that it was not free as price was mentioned over the box. - PTI
The Hindu Business Line : Dish TV served notice on free set-top-boxes
