Stopping Global Mode is an attack on consumer choice

Consumer NZ believes that the proposed legal action from Sky, Lightbox, TVNZ and Mediaworks to stop Global Mode is a huge blow to consumers.

On April 2, Sky, Lightbox, TVNZ and Mediaworks threatened Slingshot, Orcon, Bypass Network Services and other ISPs with legal action unless they cease operation of Global Mode and other similar services in New Zealand.

Global Mode allows New Zealanders access to legal content from overseas websites that are blocked by geographic restrictions (geoblocks). These services include streaming video on demand sites, such as Hulu Plus, Amazon Prime Instant Video and US Netflix.

What is available overseas is just as fast, more accessible to those with impairments, in many cases easier to use, cheaper, and often of equal or higher quality to what is offered here. Why should New Zealand consumers be lumped with an inferior product?

Consumer chief executive Sue Chetwin said this move by Sky, Lightbox, TVNZ and Mediaworks was simply protectionism of old content distribution models.

“While they may argue that this is not about taking action against consumers, it’s exactly consumers who will end up paying more because of this,” Ms Chetwin said. “Consumers will always look for the best deal, and if that isn’t offered by a New Zealand company then they shouldn’t be stopped from looking overseas for a better deal.”

For New Zealanders with visual and hearing impairments, the need to access overseas services is greater as no New Zealand-based service, including state broadcaster TVNZ, offer audio descriptions or closed captions.

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