KUALA LUMPUR: Direct broadcast satellite pay television service Astro is no longer a monopoly thanks to four other companies allowed to compete in the same market in Malaysia, said the Communications and Multimedia Ministry.
Its deputy minister Eddin Syazlee Shith said that the four firms are Ansa Broadcast Sdn Bhd, Jaringan Mega Sdn Bhd, Smart Digital International (M) Sdn Bhd and High End Net Sdn Bhd.
“Actually, the period of the exclusive right given to Astro’s operator Measat Broadcast Network Systems Sdn Bhd ended on Feb 28 last year.
“Astro still have the right to continue to offer this service, granted under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which is valid until Feb 1, 2020.
“In regards to its Content Applications Service Provider Individual Licence (CASP), it expires on Feb 28, 2022,” he said during Questions for Oral Answers Session at the Dewan Rakyat today.
He was answering a question from Datuk Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah (BN-UMNO-Lenggong) over steps by the government to tackle the issue of Astro’s monopoly of direct broadcast satellite pay television service.
Eddin said that as of Sept 30 this year, around 35 companies were given CASP licence by the Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to offer broadcasting services via various platforms like satellite, free-to-air, Internet protocol, and Digital Terrestrial Television Broadcasting.
“Four of them (companies) were allowed to offer television broadcasting services through the satellite platform aside from Astro.
“With the various offers via platforms, the people will have a choice on which content to enjoy, whether via free or paid (methods),” he said.
He added that the people also have a choice to enjoy content via “Over-The-Top” platforms such as Tonton, iFlix, and NetFlix apps.