The Competition Commission alleges that MultiChoice and Altech entered into an agreement in 2014 to divide markets by allocating suppliers and/or specific types of goods or services, in contravention of the Competition Act.
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The Competition Commission has referred a complaint against MultiChoice South Africa and Altech UEC South Africa to the Competition Tribunal for prosecution.
Altech used to be a manufacturer of Set Top Boxes (STBs) that are used to operate subscription-based or pay television services (Pay-TV). MultiChoice is a provider of Pay-TV, which uses STBs to provide its Pay-TV services. MultiChoice sources the STBs from Altech.
In the complaint lodged with the Tribunal on April 16, 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’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.
The Competition Commission said this arrangement constitutes division of markets by allocating suppliers and/or specific types of goods or services. MultiChoice directors could not be reached for further comment on Wednesday afternoon.
The Commission sought a court order declaring that MultiChoice and Altech contravened a section of the Act, and that they are liable for an administrative penalty of up to 10% of their respective annual turnover.
MultiChoice delisted from the JSE last December after being taken over by the international media and entertainment group Canal +.
But Canal+ CEO Maxine Saada said in March that Canal+ would be listed on the JSE “soon,” and part of the group strategy for 2026 would be improving profitability at MultiChoice and expanding further into Africa.
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