Cable operators threaten strike over DTH issue
ISLAMABAD: Cable operators in the country are all set to cross swords with the electronic media watchdog over its decision to introduce Direct-to-Home (DTH) service.
They have decided to go on strike if the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) did not accept their demand of postponing the process of introducing the DTH service by Friday.
Addressing a press conference at the National Press Club on Tuesday, Cable Operators Association chairman Khalid Arain said: “They (cable operators) were planning to go on strike from today (Tuesday), but had to postpone it after Finance Minister Ishaq Dar assured the Pakistan Broadcasting Association (PBA) of resolving the issue on a war footing.”
“The launch of DTH was not justified since the cable operators have invested billions of rupees in converting the analogue cable system into the digital one,” he said, adding, “It will also ruin their business and cause a huge economic loss.”
“We need at least three years to create awareness among people about the cable digitalisation. The introduction of DTH will not provide us the opportunity to promote it.”
Arain said the Cable Operators Association will announce their future course of action after holding talks with the finance minister.
“If by Friday Pemra turned down their demand of delaying the introduction of the Pakistani DTH service, they will go on strike,” he said, adding, “they hope that the finance minister will address their concerns.”
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