Dated: 22 July 2010
The Media Development Authority (MDA) has fined SingNet S$50,000 for its Mio TV outage that occurred at around 6am to about 6pm on 1 March 2010 due to a software glitch.
As a Nationwide Subscription Television Service Licensee, SingNet is required to comply with licence conditions on Quality of Service (QoS) and Consumer Service. This meant that it has to provide pay TV services at a reasonable quality that meets public expectations and is satisfactory to MDA. In addition, SingNet is also required to operate an efficient consumer service and provide avenues for speedy resolution of consumers' complaints on its service.
MDA had found evidence of SingNet breaching its license conditions on QoS and Consumer Service when its Mio TV service broke down on 1 March.
MDA's investigations showed that SingNet took efforts to correct the software malfunction and resume service. However, outage impacted more than 10,000 subscribers which is not insignificant and caused a lot of inconveniences.
MDA is of the view that SingNet could also have provided better consumer support and resolved consumer complaints in a timely manner. SingNet's call handling was evidently lacking when consumers complained that they could not get through to their call centre for hours, and even on the day after the breakdown.
As a result, MDA imposed a fine of $50,000 and notes SingNet's commitment to implement measures to improve both its QOS and Consumer Service.
About Media Development Authority (MDA)
Formed in 2003, the Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA) plays a vital role in transforming Singapore into a Global Media City and positioning it at the forefront of the digital media age. MDA spearheads initiatives that promote developments in film, video, television, radio, publishing, music, games, animation, media services and Interactive Digital Media. At the same time, in ensuring clear and consistent regulatory policies and guidelines, MDA helps to foster a pro-business environment for industry players and increase media choices for consumers. For more information, visit www.mda.gov.sg and www.smf.sg.
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