German media company ProSiebenSat.1 considers lodging a complaint at federal anti-trust authority Bundeskartellamt against the business practise of Amazon to offer its video-on-demand (VOD) service through Amazon Prime bundled with other services as this would constitute an illicit package deal.
ProSiebenSat.1 has already appeared at the cartel office regarding the matter, reports German business newspaper Handelsblatt with reference to industry sources. No formal complaint has yet been submitted against the business methods of its competitor, but this would only be a question of time. ProSiebenSat.1 declines to comment on the issue, according to the report.
Amazon Prime Video is available through an Amazon Prime membership costing €49 per year, corresponding with €4.08 per month. Competitors like ProSiebenSat.1’s recently revamped maxdome, Netflix or Watchever ask for at least €7.99 per month – almost twice as much.
However, Amazon binds its Prime customers to 1-year contracts while the rival operators grant a monthly opt-out clause. With a monthly subscription cancellation option, Amazon Prime Video is available for €7.99.
