OTTAWA – In what might be considered a curious move, the Competition Bureau posted a consumer alert on its website Monday, cautioning customers to read the fine print before they sign up for sports streaming services this season.
Titled “Foul play: sports streaming packages’ fine print can hide true terms and conditions”, the Competition Bureau’s consumer alert suggests providers of sports streaming services may be less than upfront about potential blackouts of certain games in the packages they market to consumers, among other things.
“Canadian sports fans signing up for sports streaming services this season should be aware that important information about the availability of some games may not be adequately disclosed, or may be buried in fine print disclaimers that are easy to miss,” the Competition Bureau wrote in its consumer alert.
“For example, depending on your location there may be conditions associated with sports streaming services that restrict access to certain games, including the most watched games, or do not allow you to watch games live,” the consumer alert went on to say.
In light of this, the Competition Bureau listed the following recommendations:
- Before anything, read the fine print.
- Understand what you are paying for when you sign up.
- Find out if there are blackout dates.
- Clarify whether your subscription is a one-time deal or there is an auto-renewal.
- If you have questions, contact the provider to get clear answers before you make a purchase.
The Competition Bureau concluded its consumer alert by encouraging consumers who feel they have been duped by advertising or marketing that did not make clear the conditions associated with any type of service to submit a complaint to the Bureau.
When contacted by Cartt.ca regarding what prompted the Competition Bureau to issue the consumer alert and whether there were any public documents associated with an inquiry into sports streaming services, Phil Norris, senior communications advisor for the Bureau, replied via email to say the alert was issued in keeping with the Bureau’s ongoing consumer education initiatives.
“The Competition Bureau issued a consumer alert on sports streaming services as part of its ongoing efforts to ensure that Canadians have the information they need to make informed purchasing decisions. As the Bureau is obligated by law to conduct its work confidentially, I cannot confirm whether or not the Bureau is currently investigating this issue or any particular company,” Norris wrote in his email.
According to its website, as an independent law enforcement agency, the Competition Bureau ensures that Canadian businesses and consumers prosper in a competitive and innovative marketplace.
