As SK Telecom and LGU Plus halted the broadcasting and Video on demand (VOD) service of three national broadcasters KBS, MBC and SBS on June 22, 4.1 million IPTV subscribers were suddenly cut off from the three broadcasters’ programs. (image: Korea Bizwire)
SEOUL, Jun. 23 (Korea Bizwire) — As SK Telecom and LGU Plus halted the broadcasting and Video on demand (VOD) service of three national broadcasters KBS, MBC and SBS on June 22, 4.1 million IPTV subscribers were suddenly cut off from the three broadcasters’ programs.
The broadcasters and the two carriers were in talks about raising the current monthly subscription fee by 105 percent, and the carriers are reported to have left the talks, as they could not agree over the amount of the increase.
Now IPTV subscribers are berating carriers for breaking promises that were originally given to customers through contracts.
SNS users are expressing their anger, saying that the subscribers have nothing to do with the ‘dog fight’ between the broadcasters and the carriers, and are demanding compensation such as lowering the current monthly subscription fee, which is 1,900 won (US$ 1.72).
Some SNS users are saying that the broadcasters are asking an absurd demand of the carriers, that they can’t just reap a profit twice bigger than the current one overnight.
They also felt that the broadcasters should find other revenue models rather than simply overcharge their viewers.
Some are also suggesting that the situation of conflict between the two interest groups might just be a disguised show presented by the two groups, who are actually colluding to raise fees.
By Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
