MYTV in talks to resolve disputes

PETALING JAYA: MYTV Broadcasting Sdn Bhd (MYTV) has sought the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission’s (MCMC) intervention to help resolve ongoing disputes with Telekom Malaysia Bhd (TM), a statement from MYTV said.

MYTV said it is working with TM to find a solution to ensure continuity of the digital terrestrial television (DTT) service.

StarBiz reported yesterday that services for the free-to-air TV migration from analogue to digital were suspended in several states over disputes of non-payment between MYTV and TM.

Hundreds of viewers in Sabah, Sarawak, Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Negri Sembilan, Malacca and Perak were affected.

Up to 20 broadcasting sites have been shut down since Oct 11 and 25.

The suspension also jeopardises the “analogue switch-off” planned for the first quarter of 2019.

If the dispute remains unresolved, it could result in a delay in the release of the 700MHz spectrum meant for the telecoms industry and the regional switch-off with Singapore and Thailand.

The statement said MYTV has agreed to fulfil its obligations by the “analogue switchoff” which is scheduled in the first quarter of 2019.

This is despite changes in the concession terms, which are currently being finalised with the government, the statement said.

MYTV CEO Michael Chan said that content applications service providers licence holders have not been charged for DTT services during the simultaneous transmission period.

They will not be charged until the “analogue switch-off” date, which will be determined by the Government.

Meanwhile, all incumbent broadcasters continue to pay TM for analogue transmission services.

“We have also requested TM to uplift the service suspension immediately, so that the people can continue enjoying the service until the announcement of the official analogue switch-off date by the government,” said Chan.

He said MYTV is committed to achieve the government’s target to fully migrate the terrestrial television transmission from analogue to digital under the National Broadcasting Digitalisation Project.

To date, MYTV has invested more than RM400mil in the key national project, and shall continue to invest more.

Currently, there are 34 DTT transmission sites covering 92.7% of the population nationwide.

“In line with the digital switch-over within the Asean, we are trying to expedite the digital migration by rolling out a Direct-To-Home service to enhance our coverage nationwide in time for the digital switchover,” Chan said.