Astro Monopoly Essay

Watching television has become a basic necessity among the people from all walks of life in right aways affluent society. In globalize era by like a shot, the amount of major planet television provider has increase vigorously in the world. But Astro is relieve the one and only satellite television provider available in our country, Malaysia. (Wikipedia)The definition of Astro is an acronym for All-Asian Satellite Television and Radio Operator. Astro is Malaysias leading integrated cross-media convocation with operations in 4 key businesses Pay TV, Radio, Content and Digital. It also transmits digital satellite television and radio to household in Malaysia and Brunei.(Astro)They launched in 1996, and today they have 50% penetration of TV homes in Malaysia, making it a key pay TV instrument in Southeast Asia. Astro has also apprehended customer input and feedback and they can continuously strive to provide quality returns and products to customers. (Astro)The Peoples Choice, As tro was also awarded the Brand of the Year award at Malaysias Putra Brand Awards 2012. This award is in recognition of Astros efforts to exemplify innovation, quality, and strong corporate social responsibilities. Now Astro has nearly increased in a base of 3.1 million. Therefore, it is fairly obvious that viewer in our country has no chance to choose the other satellite television provider.(Lim)What is the reason that makes Astro able to monopolize Malaysians satellite television fabrication? This is due to the reason that they argon the only company that get the permission and license to broadcast by the government of Malaysia. To further illustrate this point, they have the ability to set the value of their service because they are the price maker in the industry. As they are the price maker, sometimes the customers are not satisfied about the high price they set with the limited choice of share to choose from. In some package that subscribers purchased, there are always some convey that they are not interested in but are made to pay for it.(Times)According to the recent oblige published in New Straits Times in 2011 in George Town, The Consumers Association of Penang has questioned the monopoly enjoyed by Astro and wants the government to explain why the pay television operator had been given an exclusive licence for 20 years. (Times)CAP president S.M. Mohamed Idris tell the monopoly enjoyed by Astro had snuffed out the chances of other satellite channel operators from entering the market and providing better service to consumers. He said in other countries, viewers had several operators offering programmes at lower rates than Astro. He also said the combination of channels in the family package offered by Astro was alike rigid and few channels were likely to be of interest to any particular demography of society.He said the government should encourage new pay-TV operators and allow TV accessories to be sold in the free market like in other countries . Meanwhile, in an present(prenominal) response, an Astro public relations department spokesperson said the company would refer CAPs concern to its management for further deliberation. (Lim) (Astro)Another point that related to Astros monopoly is the barriers to entry. It is very hard to stop Astros monopoly in the satellite television industry. Many new firms fail to enter the industry as the investment is too high for them. The new firm would need to pay for their own satellite which costly for them. Even if there is a firm that has sufficient capital for their investment, they quieten failed to enter the industry due to the directive of government.As a conclusion, Astro is still remaining customers top choice nowadays. It is because no other satellite television provider can substitute Astro. The people around the country have also accepted Astro as part and parcel in their lives. For my go out with Astro, my family have subscribed to Astro since I am six. Astro brought many a dvantage that as I can watch many variety of show and it also dish to reduce my boredom. But now, we are using Astro B.yond PVR. It is convenient as it is a personal video recorder. We can record the videos that we want to watch while we are away. However, Astro have satisfied customers needs and wants to prolong the lifespan of the company. It is very difficult to stop Astros monopoly in the satellite television industry as it is the only satellite television in our country and no other firms can substitute it so far.