'Supercomplaint' considered over Virgin BSkyB fallout

Consumer group the National Consumer Council is considering bringing a 'supercomplaint' over the fallout 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."

The NCC is concerned that the dispute has exposed a "fundamental flaw" in the digital television market, and the extent to which it is competitive for consumers.

The consumer body said it was examining these questions urgently, with a view to deciding whether to exercise its statutory powers under the Enterprise Act.

Mr Cullum said: "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.”

The NCC said it would be contacting Sky and Virgin Media to encourage both companies to act in the interests of consumers, and would be making a decision by the end of March on possible action.

The NCC has the power to submit supercomplaints under the Enterprise Act 2002 if there is an issue that is "significantly harming the interests of consumers".

(SP)