StarSat prepared to fight to keep broadcasting
Satellite operator StarSat is prepared to return to court to prevent its platform being shut down after a directive by the Independent Communications Authority of SA (Icasa).
A BusinessLIVE report says the company is hoping to persuade Icasa that shutting it down would lead to further destruction of SA’s media industry.
While such talks with the regulator are the first choice, the company is prepared to go to the courts to argue its case.
‘As a last resort, we have not ruled out the possibility of urgently approaching the court once more to present further reasons why the continued provision of television broadcasting services by StarSat TV remains necessary and of national significance,’ the company said.
The company’s licence, valid for 15 years, was issued in July 2008 and expired in July 2023.
The company, which launched its service to compete with MultiChoice’s DStv, admits it submitted its licence renewal application to the regulator after the required deadline.
According to the Electronic Communications Act and related regulations, the holder of an individual broadcasting service licence must submit its renewal application to the regulator no earlier than 12 months before and no later than six months before the expiry of the licence.
Article disclaimer: While we have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of this article, it is not intended to provide final legal advice as facts and situations will differ from case to case, and therefore specific legal advice should be sought with a lawyer.
