Cable operators go on strike over DTH issue

Cable operators have reportedly gone and strike and suspended their services in different parts of the country after their demands were not met by Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA). The association of cable operators had demanded that the launch of Direct-to-Home (DTH) services should be postponed but Pemra had decided otherwise and the auction for the licences will be taking place soon.

The strike reportedly started from Monday evening when people were deprived of their favorite TV shows after their cable service got suspended. It has been learnt that cable operators from across the country will likely join hands in this strike if their demands are not met. So far it has been communicated that the strike will continue for an indefinite period.

The operators recently held a meeting with the Finance Minister, Ishaq Dar who reportedly refused to succumb to their demands for the delay of DTH services. So far 12 out of 16 companies have been shortlisted for the participation in the license auctions. This move is going to give the media industry a huge boost as $400 million will be injected into this sector with the sale of the licenses.

The licenses will be issued for an initial period of 15 years, after which their duration can be extended, as detailed in the contract.

Cable Operators Association Chairman Khalid Arain talked to reporters and said that the launch of DTH was not justified since the cable operators have invested billions of rupees in converting the analogue system to digital one. “It will also ruin their business and cause a huge economic loss.”

Despite these protests by the cable operators, the government is likely to go ahead with the DTH auction.

Short URL: https://www.newspakistan.pk/?p=54168

Posted by fatimaarshad on Nov 22 2016. Filed under Pakistan. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.