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South African Regulator Warns StarSat to Cease Operations
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South African TV regulations, Icasa, has ordered On Digital Media/StarTimes to shut down its StarSat platform in the country.
The authority explained that it issued a subscription broadcasting license to StarSat’s parent company, On Digital Media (ODM), on 9 July 2008, which was valid for 15 years.
South African TV Regulations Orders Starsat To Cease Operations
The license expired last year, on 8 July 2023. Note that StarTimes, a Chinese pay-TV operator, owns 20% of On Digital Media, the maximum ownership allowed for a foreign company in a South African media business.
According to MyBroadBand, Icasa said, “ODM failed to submit a license renewal application within the required timeframe set by the Electronic Communications Act (ECA) and related regulations.”
“The legislation requires a license that holds an Individual Broadcasting Service license to submit its renewal application to the authority no earlier than twelve months and no later than six months before the expiry of the license.”
South African TV regulations highlighted that despite numerous reminders and warnings, On Digital Media submitted its license renewal application after the expiry date, on 10 November 2023.
With ODM not cooperating, Icasa ordered the company to cease its operation in the country by 18 September 2024.
The authority explained, “On 18 March 2024, the Authority decided ODM should wind up its affairs and cease providing broadcasting services by 18 September 2024, and further inform its subscribers.”
Also Read: Suspect Arrested in DStv Piracy Operation
“Starsat Regulatory Issues Will Not Affect Operations”
Despite Icasa orders, StarSat emphasized it wouldn’t shut down but would continue its operation in the country.
The company highlighted they were negotiating with Icasa on the way forward and assured its customers it was exploring the regulatory issues.
https://youtu.be/Ml1gdsWCedo?si=NM1KNegm2XoKhT_K
On Digital Media CEO Debbie Wu, said, “We can assure you and the public that On Digital Media/StarSat will not be closing its operations anytime soon. Also, the company is liaising with Icasa on the way forward.”
She added, “On Digital Media is exploring all the regulatory and legal issues surrounding its licensing.”
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