(31 May 2008 2:00 pm)

MUMBAI: Direct-to-home (DTH) service provider Tata Sky has filed a petition with fair trade regulator Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Commission (MRTPC), alleging Dish TV’s free set-top box offer as being an "anti-competitive" and "deceptive" act.

Admitting the petition of the Tata Sky, the MRTPC Bench headed by Justice O P Dwivedi issued notice to Dish TV and directed it to file its reply in two weeks, reports PTI.

Tata Sky contended before the MRTPC that Dish TV was indulging in deceptive advertisements as the STBs being given out by Dish TV were not for free and was in violation with the MRTP Act, 1969.

During the proceeding of the commission, the counsel appearing for Tata Sky alleged that Zee group-promoted Dish TV claimed in its advertisement campaign in print and electronic media that its STB were being given for free, which was not the case.

In terms of market share, Dish TV is the leading player in the DTH space with 3.2 million subscribers, while the rival Tata Sky recently crossed the two million subscriber mark.

The DTH operator also submitted a STB before the Commission contending that it was not free as price was mentioned over the box.