Colombians are cutting off cable TV for online TV

Global Business

Americans are not alone, when it comes to their love for online streaming. Cancelling cable subscriptions is a growing trend in Colombia, but the cable companies are putting up a fight.

CCTV America’s Michelle Begue reports from Bogota.

Colombians are cutting off cable TV for online TV

Americans are not alone, when it comes to their love for online streaming. Cancelling cable subscriptions is a growing trend in Colombia, but the cable companies are putting up a fight. CCTV America’s Michelle Begue reports from Bogota.

Colombia is reporting an increase in use of the internet as a form of entertainment. In a study by Ericsson ConsumerLab, consumption of TV content through smartphones grew almost 200 percent in the last three years.

While some would see a growing number of Colombian’s connected to the internet, as a big business opportunity, Cable companies are making news headlines by complaining that streaming services like Netflix have an unfair advantage as they are not regulated by Colombian law.

Colombia’s National TV authority, who works in defense of viewer’s interests, has been asked by cable companies, like Claro and Direct TV to step in. But they insist it is Congress’ job to regulate and suggest implementing a model that has been used in Argentina and Brazil.

Direct TV executives believe Netflix is fast approaching their 1.2 million subscribers and the 2.2 million subscribers for Claro, yet both have not confirmed the numbers.

Direct TV also says that Netflix doesn’t have to build an infrastructure to get to their users which is also a big advantage but ANTV insists there are plenty of customers for everyone.

Netflix has kept their distance from the ongoing debate. In an interview last December, CEO Reed Hastings said “the internet is a new global force” and insisted they have a healthy relationship with the local industry and are following all local guidelines and regulations.


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