It is nothing new that the Cable operators were opposing the auction and threatened to go on a hunger strike against the DTH auction.
The cable operators then protested by shutting down cable services across Pakistan. When that failed, they tried to get the auction itself stopped through a stay order from the Lahore High Court.
Pakistan Broadcaster’s Association issued a public notice in an effort to make the public “realize” that PEMRA was in the wrong by having the auction held in the first place.
Read More: Pakistan Broadcasters Association Joins Forces to Oppose DTH Auction
DTH services would help bring in more revenue to the national exchequer and would ultimately benefit both the government and the consumer who wants better quality TV services.
PBA thinks that PEMRA has overlooked several things while deciding the DTH auction and companies that can participate in the bidding.
PEMRA’s Response to PBA’s advertisement
In response to their public notice, which was issued in several different newspapers, PEMRA issued one of their own.
The advert titled “Facts are different from Fiction” clarifies a lot of the blames laid on PEMRA by the PBA and asks some questions of their own from the PBA.
Here’s the advert:
Countering PBA’s arguments
A lot of the arguments raised by PBA’s notice are being openly refuted and countered by PEMRA in the advert. PBA mentioned that the auction was illegal as PEMRA was including foreign entities in the auction. PEMRA countered by saying that all 12 companies are of Pakistani origin.
PBA also said that they were not consulted or invited for a meeting as it was necessary to consult stakeholders before the auction. PEMRA said that they had held a meeting on November 20th in Lahore presided by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar with representatives of PBA, PEMRA and Cable Operators Association present.
Asking Questions of Their Own
The advert proceeded to ask a few questions of their own. One of them asking,
Why different petitions are being filed in different courts seeking stay order against DTH despite the fact the Supreme Court has already issued an order in September this year stating that no stay order would be issued on the auction of DTH license and that PEMRA should continue performing their duty?
As per PEMRA’s Twitter account, some newspapers did not agree to publish the advert.
The auction will proceed once Supreme Court issues the order to do so.
Honourable Supreme Court of Pakistan has announced in favour of #PEMRA. Historic DTH Bidding will start shortly in Islamabad Marriott
Yeah!
Urdu version here https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/490ad96001a29cc87bd1d69fcbf7994c25c5a3fb382e68c80962d257162dc610.jpg
Another reason why DTH is required,,
This is how the cable here in Karachi is after Yesterdays restoration(although this is routine reception it only gets well when Cable fee is due :P)
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/42b0137e6f95c1878a05aafdaa24317c6c3aceab514050db56b0d7a74e3fee2e.jpg
DTH couldn’t come any sooner. I had similar quality with local TV cable.
Hey get Cline
“had” similar quality :)
That’s why I got Cline.
That subtitles though! :P
Something good is going to happen against the will of cable and broadcasters mafia and I support it. Go pemra, go for it.
Amazing response to PBA by PEMRA really liked it. Thank you PEMRA for making the DTH dream alive.
Dear PBA Fck yourself with downgrade quality of the channels.
Excellent response by PEMRA! Good going against these PBA thugs and blackmailers.
a simple question from a poor consumer like me! if local street cable networks are going to be banned and DTH is going to be started, how much will the cost per month for me. Currently, i pay 200/300 rupees per month for local cable operator. mujhe bs is sawal ka jawab chaiye. kya DTH main bhi 300 rupees per month main channels aayen ge?
Cable operators are not going to get banned.
Solid response
As a newbie in this space, can you please explain who does PBA comprises of, and what is their advantage in blocking DTH?
Why PBA is making hurdles in DTH launch? Is’nt it more beneficial for them?
Love You Pemra for DTH Bull Shit PBA Pay ur Dues Now.?