The Belgian Economic Inspection Department has started proceedings against the DTH platform TV Vlaanderen for infringement against the law on trade practices.
The legal action is the result of a complaint in early May filed by the consumer association Test-Aankoop. The issue concerns payment for a new smart card, which was sent out to all subscribers of the DTH platform.
TV Vlaanderen is replacing its entire smart card population of MediaGuard2 cards with version 3 cards to enhance security of the signal against piracy.
Subscribers to TV Vlaanderen were faced with a bill of €12.50 for the new card. Test-Aankoop argued that the charge is illegal, because the company is bound by a contract with its subscribers that does not mention such a fee.
According to the association, TV Vlaanderen therefore acted in breach of the Trade Practices Act, which stipulates that the consumers should have been informed of all conditions.
