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SINGAPORE: Singapore's rival Pay-TV operators have been asked to provide authorities with relevant information on whether there was last-minute exclusive deals signed before new rules requiring telcos to share exclusive content kicked in last month.
The Media Development Authority (MDA) told MediaCorp it has exercised its statutory powers to do so.
Eileen Ang, head (Competition & Market Access), Media Development Authority said: "It's concerned about reports that operators SingTel and StarHub have rushed into locking up exclusive content before the effective date of the cross-carriage measure."
At this point, MDA said it is premature to speculate on consequences as it is investigating the matter to determine if there is indeed a case.
In response, StarHub said the timing of the release of the revised Media Code was entirely in the hands of the government. The company said it did not see the content of the revised Media Code until it was gazetted and made public.
Jeannie Ong, StarHub's Head of Corporate Communications & Investor Relations said: "As a broadcaster of more than 140 channels, StarHub regularly negotiates the carriage of new channels as well as new contract terms for existing channels.
"We have been regularly providing updates on our content carriage and other related matters to MDA and will certainly provide the regulatory authority with the relevant information to assist in its findings pertaining to this matter."
SingTel said it understands the government's concerns over the matter and will extend its cooperation to MDA in relation to any investigation it may wish to carry out.
SingTel added: "As the Acting Minister for Communications, Information and the Arts, Lui Tuck Yew has pointed out, the government had conducted a limited consultation with key players such as nationwide subscription television licensees before the announcement on 12 March 2010." - CNA/vm
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