Melita Cable has been ordered to "desist immediately from exercising its exclusive rights over any content which is aired on Italian channels - such as RAI, Mediaset and La 7 - which may be received locally by any person through a conventional television aerial" by the Commission for Fair Trading on a request from the Office for Fair Competition (OFC).
This request means that Melita subscribers ought to be able to watch World Cup matches on Italian stations without any interruptions, as this was a concern amongst viewers.
The OFC commenced ex officio investigations into Melita Cable's conduct in the past months, prompted by numerous complaints which it received from consumers who felt prejudiced by Melita Cable's practice of 'blocking' the transmission of certain sports events broadcast on Italian 'free-to-air' channels, which are included in Melita Cable's basic 'reception' package.
Although the OFC has not yet reached a formal decision with regard to Melita Cable's conduct, it considers that there is sufficient prima facie evidence of abuse of a dominant position by Melita Cable which could be distorting competition in the market.
The Commission for Fair Trading will now determine whether or not the taking of such interim measure against Melita Cable is warranted in this particular case.
See also:
BA announces decision on World Cup matches transmissions
By MaltaMedia News - Mar 14, 2006, 22:39 CET
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