NCC demands action on dispute between Virgin Media and BSkyB

Commenting on the dispute between Virgin Media and BSkyB, NCC’s Deputy Chief Executive, Philip Cullum, said, “The fallout from the dispute between Virgin Media and BSkyB is bad news for consumers.

“Over 3 million Virgin Media customers have been left high and dry. They have lost some of the most popular channels, they aren’t getting a discount, and they’ve had little notice. Our reading is that Virgin Media customers have got the right to cancel their subscriptions without penalty, and we call on the company to confirm this without delay.

“Our concern is that this dispute may expose a more fundamental flaw in the digital television market, and the extent to which it is competitive for consumers.

“The National Consumer Council will be examining these questions as a matter of urgency, with a view to deciding whether to exercise our statutory powers under the Enterprise Act. If necessary, we will refer this market to the regulator using our power to bring a ‘supercomplaint’. In the meantime, we urge the two companies to put consumers first, by reaching a speedy solution and being crystal clear about customers’ rights.”