Italian media regulator Agcom could be about to require streaming platforms, including DAZN, to measure the quality of users’ internet connections.
La Repubblica reports that subscribers will be able to determine who is responsible for the quality of a particular sporting event. If the connection is deemed to be sufficient when the contract is taken out it will be the responsibility of the streaming platform to maintain the speed.
If the speed test is triggered then platforms will be required to refund subscribers €7.50 per week. The consumer will be in line for compensation if they repeatedly fail to connect to a platform or if their viewing is repeatedly interrupted.
However, the failure to connect does not guarantee compensation: it only triggers the procedure, and only if the streaming provider is found to be responsible for the disruption can a refund be obtained.
The move is being seen as a response to the criticism received by Agcom over DAZN’s coverage of Serie A football. However, it is likely the measure will also be applied to other holders of streaming rights to major sports events, such as Amazon Prime Video.