TrueVisions at risk of B10m in penalties

TrueVisions at risk of B10m in penalties

Pay TV operator TrueVisions may face fines exceeding 10 million baht if it fails to offer better compensation to customers affected by its cancellation of six popular channels.

The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission's (NBTC) consumer protection subcommittee will propose that the broadcasting panel fine TrueVisions 5 million baht for failing to notify its subscribers about the channel cancellation 30 days in advance.

"If TrueVisions does not follow the order, its daily fine will run to 100,000 baht until it formally informs customers," said Supinya Klangnarong, chairwoman of the consumer protection subcommittee.

Supinya Klangnarong

She said the broadcasting regulator understood that TrueVisions cancelled the six channels because of unspecific business difficulties with HBO, but nonetheless the pay TV operator should have complied with NBTC rules.

"We hope TrueVisions will work out further measures to compensate its unhappy subscribers and come to clarify the new plan with us," Ms Supinya said.

The NBTC yesterday called on TrueVisions to detail more customer-relief measures with the regulator within seven days.

The announcement came after more than 1,000 TrueVisions customers appointed FongDi.com, a consumer protection website, to sue the pay TV operator at Civil Court by the end of this month, demanding package discounts and compensation.

On Jan 1, TrueVisions stopped broadcasting Cinemax, HBO, HBO Hits HD, HBO Signature, HBO Family and Red by HBO.

It is offering seven new channels -- Warner TV, Paramount Channel HD, Celestial Classic Movies, Food Network, Fox Action Movies HD, Sony and True Film HD 2 -- to immediately replace the cancelled content.

TrueVisions still insists that its customer-relief plan is appropriate and was approved by the broadcasting panel, and it will meet with the NBTC.

Do you like the content of this article?
COMMENT (12)