Cyfra Plus fined for misleading customers

Poland’s anti-monopoly watchdog UOKiK has fined pay-TV operator Cyfra Plus for failing to adequately inform its customers of changes in subscription-fees.

Cyfra Plus, owned by Vivendi and UPC, was fined PLN3.6m (€900,000) after it raised prices for various packages last year. The operator sent some customers an email informing them of the price rise but those on higher-priced packages could only find out if they read a magazine sent to all subscribers.

UOKiK said this information was not a guarantee that customers would be properly informed about the change.

UOKiK initiated proceedings after complaints from consumers in November 2009. As well as the fine, the watchdog has ordered Cyfra Plus to publish the details of price increase on its website and in a national newspaper.