From Mr R. Bartolo

I would like to share the following experience with your readers. Being a keen UK football fan, I have subscribed to the Melita Cable Sports Channel since it started being transmitted. This year, however, following the launch of Melita Digital Service I am disappointed to note that analogue subscribers are being given the cold shoulder.

Earlier in June I enquired why the MUTV channel was not being transmitted to analogue subscribers as in previous years. When the matter was taken up with the Customer Services Department I was told that from this year it was decided to offer this service to digital subscribers only. Despite the clear decline in service no adjustment to the pricing structure was made and the company did not even bother to notify its customers. Being such a considerate and customer oriented company they suggested that I switch to the digital service, at an extra charge of course.

More recently I enquired about a recent advertisement regarding premiership games for the coming season. To my utter disgust I was told that not all games will be screened on the analogue service this year but only a select few. I objected to this as it once again represented a reduction in service from the previous year, a fact confirmed by the customer services office. Once again no price readjustment is being made. Despite my objections I was advised to switch to digital if I want to see these games.

It is clear that the company is trying its best to persuade customers to switch over to the digital service by a take it or leave it attitude. Frankly I refuse to be bullied into converting to the digital system simply because I believe the service is overpriced when compared to Sky UK and Sky Italia packages which are far superior.

It is shameful that the company treats loyal subscribers in this manner. I urge the Telecommunications Authority and the Consumer Protection Division to look into this matter immediately. In the meantime I look forward to the launch of other service providers who can provide a more value for money proposition and a decent customer service.

Ray Bartolo

GZIRA