I am an avid follower of English football. In August last year, I subscribed to the Melita Sportsxtra package at a monthly cost of €19 having been promised a large variety of sporting events.

Five months later I discovered that a number of premium services advertised will no longer be available as screening rights were lost to another local competitor. The lost events included all FA Cup matches, the Charity Shield game, England international fixtures, and even Manchester United TV.

It is strange that, to date, Melita Cable has said nothing. Despite the clear reduction in the service, no adjustment in the package price has been made. From past experience I am quite sure Melita will try to replace these services with other events in which nobody is interested to justify its current pricing.

I have attempted to contact Melita on several occasions to no avail. I ask Melita Cable officials and the regulatory authorities: Is it right that Melita Cable was advertising several events in August when it only held the rights till the end of December? Is it a coincidence that existing subscribers have had to forfeit the refundable deposit on the decoder when upgrading the service, making it more expensive to sign up with another provider? Is it correct that Melita Cable made no adjustment in pricing even though a number of services have been removed?

Despite believing in a competitive market environment, it is becoming more evident that the only solution available is for consumers to subscribe to both providers. Clearly this comes at an added cost.

It is unfortunate that the authorities have remained silent on this issue despite growing concern. Hopefully, now that the festive season and parties are over, someone will take the time to investigate this issue with some urgency to ensure that consumer rights are protected.