The National Competition Commission (NCC) under the Ministry of Industry and Trade has stated that Vietnam Satellite Digital Television Company Limited's (VSTV) decision to cease providing K+ pay television services from january 1 directly impacts many consumers. The NCC has requested VSTV to explain this matter, ensuring transparency and convenience in providing information and guiding consumers through the refund process.

The regulator also held K+ responsible for providing services inconsistent with registered content. "Based on the request, the company is in the process of finalizing information for its report and explanation to the National Competition Commission", the regulator stated.

Consumers who have paid and whose service validity extends beyond 31/12/2025 should access the website https://hoantien.kplus.vn and follow instructions to request a refund. Individuals who transacted with distribution partners for K+ branded television channels need to contact those entities for refunds. In cases of damages related to the aforementioned service consumption, the Commission advises consumers that they have the right to claim compensation under civil law.

The National Competition Commission stated it will continue to compile and evaluate relevant information and documents to ensure consumers' legitimate rights.

K+ television's announcement of ceasing broadcasts from 1/1/2026.

Last month, VSTV announced it would cease providing services in Vietnam from early 2026. According to the company's announcement, customers using K+ set-top boxes and satellite dishes can still watch 10 VTV channels and other local television channels broadcasting free-to-air via satellite. For subscribers who have paid beyond 31/12/2025, refunds can be requested on the K+ website. VSTV affirmed it will complete confirmation and payment in january 2026.

VSTV issued this announcement after FPT Play declared it would be the sole rights holder for the English Premier League (EPL) in Vietnam for the 2026-2031 period. These rights are effective from the mid-2025-2026 season until the end of the 2030-2031 season.

Established in 2009 as a joint venture between VTVcab and Canal+ (France), VSTV was one of the pioneering companies in providing satellite pay-TV services, holding the broadcasting rights for the English Premier League in Vietnam.

However, the K+ television operator faced business difficulties. VSTV stated it consistently operated with insufficient capital, with initial contributions less than half of its needs. This forced VSTV to rely on borrowed capital, incurring substantial financial costs.

In 2013, VTVcab's capital contribution transferred to VTV. The company had a charter capital of USD 20,1 million, with VTV holding 51% and Canal+ owning the remainder. Vietnam Television (VTV) also planned to divest its stake in K+ but was unsuccessful.

According to Canal+'s semi-annual financial report for 2025, the group recorded a loss of 93 million euro at VSTV, equivalent to approximately 2,800 billion VND. This brought VSTV's cumulative loss as of 30/6/2025 to about 182,35 million euro, equivalent to approximately 5,500 billion VND.

Before ceasing broadcasts, the K+ system included sports-focused channels like K+Sport1, K+Sport2; entertainment channels like K+Cine, K+Life; and the children's channel K+Kids. In addition to the English Premier League, VSTV also acquired broadcasting rights for many other top global sports tournaments such as UFC, F1, Australian Open.

Phuong Dung