UPC gets a hefty fine for media box sales practices
The Consumer Authority has imposed a fine of more than 300,000 euros on UPC for the way in which the cable company forced its media box for the reception of digital television on its analogue customers.
The Consumer Authority has imposed a total of seven different fines on UPC, together amounting to 303,000 euros. The fines imposed followed an investigation into UPC’s conduct in marketing digital television. The cable company sent an unsolicited decoder to its customers that could be used free of charge. However, after the trial period expired, subscribers were required to pay a subscription fee. UPC also appears to have offered its media box to customers who had explicitly indicated that they did not wish to receive it.
According to the Consumer Authority, UPC has committed violations in ‘the distribution of the media box and the sale of subscriptions for digital television’. UPC also violated the rules regarding unsolicited transmission and the conclusion of distance contracts when selling subscriptions for digital television by telephone. For example, the provider did not explicitly ask consumers for permission before the media box was offered to them and the digital television subscription was delivered.
“The consumer must be able to refuse shipment or return the product without any problems. These are the basic rules that companies that use these sales methods must adhere to,” said Marije Hulshof, director of the Consumer Authority, in a statement. statement.
The way in which UPC tried to sell its media box has gone down the wrong way with many customers. Since 2006, it has been discussed on GoT, among others. People also have their concerns on the Consumers’ Association forum dissatisfaction voiced. After Bright editors tried to personalize their received media box at UPC at the beginning of last year returnthe device was mistaken for a bomb, after which the editors issued a fine of 300 euros were imposed.
UPC has the option to appeal against the imposed fine. The cable company says it is currently studying the decision. The relevant ‘promotional campaigns’ have already been adjusted or even discontinued, according to UPC.