Advanced Television

Swisscom fined for ‘abuse’ on sports content

May 24, 2016

The Swiss Competition Commission imposed a sanction of CHF 71.8 million (€64.8m) on Swisscom and Cinetrade/Teleclub for ‘prohibited marketing’ of sports content via pay TV. Swisscom and Cinetrade deny the allegations and remain confident that they acted lawfully in the marketing of sports content.

According to The Competition Commission (WEKO), Swisscom and Cinetrade/Teleclub exploit a dominant market position, particularly with respect to the broadcasting of national football and ice hockey events, and must offer all TV platforms in Switzerland – if technically feasible – an equivalent Teleclub sport offering at non-discriminatory terms and conditions. In July 2015, the COMCO Secretariat had recommended the Commission impose a sanction of CHF 143 million. Swisscom and Cinetrade/Teleclub deny these allegations and maintain that the sanction is unjustified.

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