Have there been changes to your TV package?
The operator may depend on rights to be able to broadcast certain channels or programs, and these rights may change. If your operator makes changes to the selection of channels in your package, it is not possible to give a simple answer on what rights you may have, as it depends on how your agreement looks and the circumstances otherwise. In a legal review, it is the special circumstances of each individual case that affect the outcome.
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Operators can change the channel lineup in TV packages if it is stated in the agreement. In the event of changes in the channel lineup, the consumer’s rights depend on the terms of the agreement and the circumstances of each case. The National Board for Consumer Disputes (ARN) has decided cases where consumers have been entitled to terminate agreements or receive price reductions if changes do not comply with the agreement. Streaming packages have also been subject to similar complaints, where ARN has decided that operators’ rights to change content are limited by the specific wording of the agreement.
Changes in Channel Offerings
In some cases, the operator may have the right to change your channel offerings even during your binding period. A condition for such a change is that it is stated in the agreement that the operator has the right to make such a change. Your agreement specifies what applies to your particular subscription.
If it is not clear from the terms that the operator has the right to make such a change, you may have the right to demand that the operator offers you other content, a price reduction or to terminate the agreement.
Change of Content in Streaming Packages
This is a type of complaint that we see regularly, and the National Board for Consumer Disputes has made so-called guiding decisions in two cases regarding access to streaming services in a package.
In these decisions, the ARN explained what applies according to the Consumer Purchase Act regarding defects in digital services and what the consumer is entitled to in such cases. The board considered, among other things, that the name of the service is a determination of what is to be delivered according to the agreement and that the operator does not have the right to change the service in the way that has occurred according to their general terms. In these cases, the consumers were entitled to termination or a price reduction and damages.