What is the outcome of discussions between the Ministry of Information and MCMC with Astro?

Astro has already started billing subscribers with the new rates despite the many objections raised by subscribers and Parliament. Contradicting statements were made by various authorities leaving subscribers confused. Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) has been inundated with calls from aggrieved subscribers.

In early June 2011, Astro announced its plan to revise the monthly subscription rates. Following the protests from subscribers, the authorities reacted positively in support of the subscribers, while Astro remained adamant to its stance.

The price revision was to take effect on 11 July 2011 and subscribers have even received their bills with the new rates. Confused subscribers are now going in circles making phone calls to find out what they are supposed to do while waiting for the outcome of the discussions between Astro and the authorities. While there are those that have decided to boycott Astro services, others are wondering whether to pay the old rates or the new rates.

CAP calls on the Ministry of Information, Communications and Culture as well as the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission to:

• Stop Astro from going ahead with the revised rates;
• Ensure that Astro improves its services, including rain fade problem;
• That Astro disconnects the 6 free-to-air television channels from the Astro decoder so that they will not be affected by weather conditions;
• That pay-TV equipment be made available in the free market.

Letter to the Editor, 8 August 2011

See CAPs view of Astro’s monopoly and service here