7 Sins of Astro

It is time we, subscribers stand up and make ourselves heard. It is time we make it clear that we are smart intelligent consumers who would not bow to “giants” who monopolized the market. I have listed down “seven sins” of Astro below, with the hope of “waking” up subscribers. Ponder over them with a cuppa in front of Astro programs and see for yourselves what we have been put through.

Sin # 1
Advertisements and Commercials
We have been sold and told that there would not be any kind of TV commercials since we are paying for the programs we are watching. Since the launching of Astro, you will notice that more and more TV commercials have been put into our living rooms. Start counting them and your blood will boil. Is this how cable TV is supposed to be run?


Sin # 2
Astro on Demand Re-runs
We are paying additional rates for this so called “Watch when you like, how many times you like” program named “Astro-on-demand”. Fine, we get to watch first hand episodes of any dramas and serials. But then again, you will also notice that these same dramas and serials will be aired again over some months later. And mind you we are also paying for this package. Think, subscribers, think. We have been milked high and dry.


Sin # 3
“Services Currently Not Available!!!”
I am sure this is the dreaded punch-line all subscribers hate to see when their favorite programs are interrupted due to “bad weather”. This has been Astro’s problem from the start and we don’t see any effort being done to overcome or improve it. But then they can say that there are always repeats and re-runs when services are resumed. Fine, then what about “live telecasts” that we missed? Finals like the “All England” where a Malaysian is playing and capable of winning after 7 years? Live football matches where we are being made to pay more? Not to mention the coming World Cup where we are staying up to watch? Imagine the frustration of staying up late with some hot coffee, sitting on your couch complete with wonderful excuses for going to work late tomorrow wanting to watch your favorite teams play “live” and all you can see is “Services Currently Not Available”. Just wonder whether we, as subscribers can just write in to Astro when our bills arrive and tell them “Payment Currently Not Available”?


Sin # 4
Program Re-runs and Re-re-runs
Sure, we all know how these cable TV providers operate. I am sure we can stomach some re-runs. Have you ever experience switching on your Astro and have the feeling that you have watched this program before? But the real miracle is this same thing will happen to you again and again with the same program. Then it will dawn on you that this is the same program that they have repeated over and over again. Switch on channels like HBO, Star Movies, etc and you will know what I mean.



Sin # 5
Wanton Price Hike
I am sure this needs no elaboration from me. We have been put through this over the years.


Sin # 6
Program Cancellation Fees
Ever notice how you are being pampered when you want to add new channels? Notice how efficient they are when you can have your new programs channeled into your living rooms within half and hour with absolutely NO connecting fees. Of course when you want to cancel these same programs, you will be at their mercy. A cancellation fee will be imposed. So they are telling us that getting in is simple and free, but getting out will cost you. Wake up subscribers, if this is not daylight piracy, then Somalia must be a tourist heaven.


Sin # 7
Unfair Program Package
Ever notice how packages are being grouped? We, as subscribers are not given a free hand to choose which programs we like to see. We are being shoved programs we don’t like just because we choose certain channels and other channels are being “thrown” in.

Of course this is a free world and I can just pick up the phone and terminate my Astro. But as a full blooded consumer, I would not want to see my fellow consumers being exploited the way they are. Stand up and be heard, then they will see that we mean business. We might then someday be really enjoying our beloved Astro programs without the two long ears sticking out of our heads.