SiriusXM Fined $3.3M for Misleading Pricing In Canada

The Competition Bureau in Canada this week took action against SiriusXM Canada for misleading subscription pricing practices. Here are the details:

Issue: The Bureau investigated SiriusXM’s subscription price representations.

Finding: Outside Quebec, Sirius advertised satellite radio and streaming subscription plans at prices that were not attainable due to an additional mandatory fee (known as drip pricing). This fee increased the monthly cost by 10% to 20%.

Resolution: As part of an agreement with the Competition Tribunal, SiriusXM Canada will:

• Pay a $3.3 million penalty and an additional $30,000 for investigation costs.
• Not engage in drip pricing or promote unattainable subscription prices.
• Enhance its compliance program.

Consumers deserve clear and precise information, and hidden fees should not surprise them.