SETÚBAL - The Portuguese telecommunications operator Cabovisão is behind on payments to several content providers, including RTP, SIC, TVI, Zon (which owns the premium channels TVCine and the thematic channel producer Dreamia, in a joint venture with Chello Multicanal), Benfica TV, Disney, and Sport TV, according to Correio da Manhã. However, none of the companies have yet commented on the situation.
It was in February 2012 that the Canadian company Cogeco sold Cabovisão to the French group Altice. However, Cogeco's intention to leave Portugal had already been revealed, largely due to difficulties in competing with Zon, Optimus Clix, and Meo, considered strong competitors. Furthermore, Cabovisão, which employs 370 workers, notified 100 employees (out of a total of 370) of a collective redundancy.
The Portuguese TV operator has been receiving a wide range of criticisms and requests for clarification from customers on Facebook, so far without a response from the operator. Among these, the most prominent criticisms concern the fact that the channels MTV Portugal and VH1 Europe have been removed from Cabovisão's channel lineup. MTV Networks Europe has already released a statement on its website indicating that "Unfortunately, Cabovisão continues not to broadcast the MTV Portugal and VH1 Europe channels. This causes us great concern because, in addition to the losses associated with the absence of broadcasts on that operator, we have a very special relationship with you and we share your frustration."
