VertiCast files anti-competitive lawsuit against Flow and Digicel
ABIGAIL BARRETT / Our Today
VertiCast Media Group announced that it has filed an anti-competitive lawsuit against Digicel Jamaica, Cable and Wireless Jamaica, and Columbus Communications Jamaica in the Supreme Court for allegedly restricting access to its subscriber television channel.
“VertiCast invested in content and distribution to create channels with content that is in high demand by consumers such as the English Premier League. We have gone above and beyond to work with the defendants to provide their consumers with access. These attempts at negotiations have not been successful and thus, we had no option but to stand up for both consumers’ rights and the rights of
media companies in the industry,” VertiCast outlined in a press release.
The company’s Supreme Court filings allege that the defendants used anti-competitive practices to exclude VertiCast channels, CSport and CSport2, from their subscriber distribution networks. Verticast said it stands against such dominance, stating that it “stifles” competition and limits consumer options.
According to Verticast, after the launch of CSport and CSport2 with the English Premier League, FIFA World Cup and other premium sports content, it signed broadcast deals at market rates with over 20 cable operators regionally. Despite VertiCast offering market terms, it claims that there has been no response from the defendants.
VertiCast said this refusal obstructs consumer access to content and distribution, and undermines fair competition.
In February, users began voice their disgruntlement with CSport’s lack of performance, to which CSport responded by setting up an automated notification on the app, and a post on X.com apologising for its inability to deliver.
Subsequently, subscribers took to X to voice their disappointment with the app as CSport continues to charge them for services not provided.
Now that the public understands why the app and services have not been provided for over two months, the question is, will subscribers get their money back?
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