There is a big battle between SingTel and Starhub over PayTV. SingTel has won the rights to boradcast the English Premier League (EPL) matches in 2010. Consumers have to switch set top boxes to SingTel to watch these matches. If they wish to watch programmes from both operators, they need two set top boxes and two sets of wiring in their home.
This is time for the regulator (i.e Media Development Authority) to come in and require the PayTV operators to separate the two operations, namely to operate a platform and to provide the contents. There will be a separate charge for using the platform and subscribing to the content. Each platform operator is required to carry the content of any approved provider.
This will give the best choice to consumers. There is competition between the platform operators in pricing and service. There is also a free choice of contents.
The content should not be bundled up with the platform.
There is also a need for the Competition Commission to come in and give a ruling. The Commission is required to ensure that there is free competition in Singapore to give choice to consumers. The bundling of platform and content is monopolistic and bad for consumers. I hope that the Commission will also have a say on this matter.
Tan Kin Lian
Friday, November 13, 2009
Specific unfair practices - financial products
Here are some practices adopted in the financial services industry that could be found in breach of the second schedule in the Fair Trading Act:
11. Taking advantage of a consumer by including in an agreement terms or conditions that are harsh, oppressive or excessively one-sided so as to be unconscionable.
12. Taking advantage of a consumer by exerting undue pressure or undue influence on the consumer to enter into a transaction involving goods or services.
14. Making a representation that appears in an objective form such as an editorial, documentary or scientific report when the representation is primarily made to sell goods or services, unless the representation states that it is an advertisement or a promotion.
18. Representing that goods or services are available at a discounted price for a stated period of time if the supplier knows or ought to know that the goods or services will continue to be so available for a substantially longer period.
20. Using small print to conceal a material fact from the consumer or to mislead a consumer as to a material fact, in connection with the supply of goods or services.
11. Taking advantage of a consumer by including in an agreement terms or conditions that are harsh, oppressive or excessively one-sided so as to be unconscionable.
12. Taking advantage of a consumer by exerting undue pressure or undue influence on the consumer to enter into a transaction involving goods or services.
14. Making a representation that appears in an objective form such as an editorial, documentary or scientific report when the representation is primarily made to sell goods or services, unless the representation states that it is an advertisement or a promotion.
18. Representing that goods or services are available at a discounted price for a stated period of time if the supplier knows or ought to know that the goods or services will continue to be so available for a substantially longer period.
20. Using small print to conceal a material fact from the consumer or to mislead a consumer as to a material fact, in connection with the supply of goods or services.
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