PARLIAMENT | Astro remains an exclusive provider of satellite broadcast services in Malaysia as none of the four companies granted licences to offer alternative services has commenced operations.
Deputy Communications and Multimedia Minister Eddin Syazlee (above) said Astro currently maintains a non-exclusive right to operate as a satellite broadcast network facilities provider until the expiration of its licences on Feb 1, 2020.
The Kuala Pilah MP said Astro’s licence as a content application service provider (Casp) will only expire on Feb 8, 2022.
“There is no exclusive control by Astro because four other companies have been also been granted Casp licences and allowed to compete,” said Eddin Syazlee during question time in the Dewan Rakyat this morning.
“The problem is, the four companies until today have not started operations. There is no more issue about Astro having an exclusive monopoly,” Eddin said.
His reply was in response to Shamsul Anuar Nasarah (BN-Lenggong) who inquired on the government’s move to break Astro’s monopoly.
As of Sept 30, 2018, Eddin said 35 companies have been granted Casp licences by the MCMC for various platforms, including Free to Air and IPTV.
“Any party can submit its Casp licence application to MCMC for purposes of evaluation,” Eddin revealed.
Given the availability of various platforms, including digital mobile applications such as Iflix and Netflix, Eddin said Malaysians now have a wide range of options, including non-subscription and subscription broadcasting. - Mkini
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