Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has shortlisted eight companies for participation in the bidding for DTH (Directo to home) Licencing scheduled to be held on December 7, sources revealed on Tuesday.
The short-listed companies include Sardar Builders (Pvt.) Limited, Parus Media & Broadcast (Pvt.) Limited, Mastro Media Distribution (Pvt.) Limited, HB DTH (Pvt.) Limited, M/s IQ Communications (Pvt.) Limited, Nayatel (Pvt.) Limited, Shahzad CGG (Pvt.) Limited and Sharif Feed Mills (Pvt.) Limited.
Earlier, the Information Ministry and PEMRA had entered into a spat over the DTH licencing bid, with the Ministry asking OGRA in increasingly stronger terms that it should cease the bidding process until the new PEMRA chief takes over. PEMRA had been dragging its feet telling the Information Ministry that the process had been going on for several months and that it could not be abandoned at this stage. But this just forced the Ministry to respond with sterner warnings and compliance directives. Apparently, PEMRA was unimpressed as the bidding process is going on as per schedule.
Earlier, an advertisement inviting applications for award of DTH Licences was published in newspapers on September 10. An Information Memorandum containing eligibility criteria, License Terms and condition, application forms etc was made available online at PEMRA website www.pemra.gov.pk.
The last date for submission of applications for DTH licences was November 6. As many as ten companies had submitted their applications/proposals by the closing date. The applications received were evaluated as per eligibility criteria given in the DTH Regulations-2015 and Information Memorandum uploaded at PEMRA website.
The shortlisted companies have now been invited to participate in the bidding process, scheduled to be held on December 7, as per timeline approved by the Authority.
According to sources, with the launching of DTH in Pakistan, the subscribers would have more access to high quality TV channels embedded with digital features like parental control, electronic programme guide, internet and video on demand.
Officials believe that DTH service would help in easier regulatory control besides addressing complaints of TV channels who were not finding adequate place on traditional analogue cable TV networks.
This technology will facilitate viewers to watch a large variety of uninterrupted programming in their homes. The initiation of this digital medium will also inject investment of billions of rupees in the country’s economy.
Officials believe that as a result of the DTH, more local and foreign TV channels could also apply for licenses.
