MultiChoice, Altech 'divided market', finds Competition Commission
MultiChoice and Altech face tribunal action over alleged pay-TV market deal.
Image: Independent Newspapers
The Competition Commission says it has referred a complaint against MultiChoice South Africa and Altech UEC South Africa to the Competition Tribunal for prosecution.
In the complaint lodged with the Tribunal on April 15, 2026, the Commission alleges that MultiChoice and Altech entered into an agreement to divide markets by allocating suppliers and/or specific types of goods or services, in contravention of the Competition Act.
The Commission seeks an order declaring that MultiChoice and Altech contravened section 4(1)(b)(ii) of the Act, and that they are liable for an administrative penalty of up to 10% of their respective annual turnover.
"The Commission’s investigation revealed that in February 2014, MultiChoice and Altech reached an agreement for Altech not to enter or compete in the pay-TV market where MultiChoice operates. This arrangement constitutes division of markets by allocating suppliers and /or specific type of goods or services.
"The Commission seeks an order declaring that MultiChoice and Altech contravened section 4(1)(b)(ii) of the Act, and that they are liable for an administrative penalty of up to 10% of their respective annual turnover," said the Commission on Monday.
Altech is a manufacturer of Set Top Boxes that are used to operate subscription-based or pay television services.
MultiChoice is a provider of Pay-Tv, which uses STBs to provide its Pay-Tv services.
MultiChoice sources the STBs from Altech.
"The Competition Commissionh has referred a complaint against MultiChoice South Africa and Altech UEC South Africa to the Competition Tribunal for prosecution," said the Commission.