Iptv Service Providers Moving Towards Monopoly

Trans. by M.ZOLJARGAL

It has been a while since Ulaanbaatar residents have started complaining about how Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) service providers are reportedly leaving them with no other options but to choose their services, according to the Agency for Fair Competition and Consumer Protection (AFCCP).

When new apartment towns open, most of them have already signed a contract with either Univision or Sky Media, and leave residents with little choice on companies to provide services for TV channels, internet and home phones. Over 200 residents of new apartment towns in Ulaanbaatar have contacted the SSIA so far regarding the issue.

This practice violates the rights of residents to choose from services provided by regular cable television service providers and goes against fair competition regulations, according to News.mn sources. Construction companies are not permitted to sign contracts with service providers in advance without the support of residents, or set up lines that regular cable television providers are unable to access, reported the AFCCP.

"We will shortly conduct an official inspection throughout Ulaanbaatar at new buildings to confirm whether or not the issue is indeed violating laws," highlighted AFCCP officials, who reminded the public to wait for a final decision.

The following is a brief interview with T.Sainjargal, Chief of the Cooperation and Public Communications Division at AFCCP.

What are the main complaints from residents about service providers?

Cable television associations and many residents have complained continuously about IPTV services. When we conducted inspections we found that either very old or new apartment owners were the main victims. When they sought out cable television services, only Sky Media or Univision were offered and with their triple-play services. They didn't have other options at all, when there are 11 cable television service providers active in Ulaanbaatar.

The two IPTV providers sign contracts with new apartment towns and makes it impossible for other cable television providers to offer their services, which is clearly against fair competition regulations. There were cases where the apartment towns drew cable television lines only along the first and second floors and those living above the second floor had only IPTV lines.g

Should people report similar cases to the SSIA as it is definitely an official case violating fair competition?

The Law on Fair Competition's Clause...