Ooredoo Maldives has joined Dhiraagu to criticize the amendments to the re-broadcasting regulations by the Broadcasting Commission that create obstacles to foreign investments and leave room for a monopoly.
Ooredoo made the statement during Parliament’s Regulations Committee on Tuesday. Ooredoo Maldives’ Board Director, Dheena Hussain, said that Ooredoo has been working on obtaining a re-broadcasting license since 2019, but the revision to the regulation is concerning. Dheena noted that such revisions create room for monopolies.
The new amendment states that only 100% Maldivian companies can obtain re-broadcasting licenses. As such, Medianet is the only major company with 100% Maldivian share operating in the re-broadcasting sector. Dhiraagu and Ooredoo states that the amendment will lead to a monopoly controlled by Medianet once companies such as Dhiraagu and Ooredoo with foreign shares will not be able to obtain re-broadcasting licenses.
Moreover, Ooredoo Maldives’ Commercial Officer Hussain Niyaz stated that a re-broadcasting license is important for Ooredoo to maintain a healthy competition with Dhiraagu.
Dhiraagu released a press statement last week criticizing the proposed amendment which will cause the telecom giants to suspend its Dhiraagu TV service.
