MACRA Demands Compliance Amid DSTV Service Withdrawal
Multichoice Malawi is expected to respond to the regulatory communication with the outlined information and updates on the transition.
LILONGWE, Malawi— Multichoice Malawi has encountered a regulatory storm as the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) issues a stern response to the recent withdrawal of DSTV services due to an ongoing injunction, writes Winston Mwale.
The regulatory authority's correspondence, dated August 10, 2023, urges Multichoice Malawi to adhere to legal provisions and ensure a smooth transition for its service discontinuation.
In a letter addressed to the Regulatory Manager of Multichoice Malawi, MACRA's Director General, Daud Suleman, asserted the authority's commitment to upholding the rule of law and enforcing the stipulations within the Communications Act.
The regulatory body acknowledged Multichoice Malawi's communication about the service withdrawal while emphasising its trust in the legal process to resolve the situation equitably.
As Multichoice Malawi ceases its DSTV services, MACRA expects the company to provide clear communication regarding the next steps taken to fulfil its Short Message Service (SMS) license.
The letter outlines specific requirements to address during this transition:
Voluntary License Revocation: Instructions to initiate the voluntary revocation of the company's license.
Broadcast Shutdown Date: Clear indications of the exact date when Multichoice will terminate its broadcasts within Malawi.
Consumer Impact Mitigation: Measures to ensure a seamless exit, addressing the effects on consumers who may have paid beyond the shutdown date and compensation for proprietary DSTV equipment that will become obsolete post-shutdown.
Equipment Disposal: Detailed strategies for the appropriate disposal of obsolete DSTV equipment, considering e-waste management within Malawi.
Spectrum Usage Assurance: Mechanisms to prevent unlawful usage of Malawi's spectrum by DSTV signals after the shutdown. This involves specified frequencies: 10970MHz, 11010MHz, 11050MHz, 11090MHz, 11130MHz, and 11170MHz.
Compliance Testing and Spectrum Reallocation: Confirmation of a commitment to compliance testing of the listed frequencies, verifying their availability for reallocation to other interested operators one day after the shutdown.
License Fee Settlement: Notification of an outstanding unpaid license fee totaling MK 19,372,447.20. A settlement within 30 days from the date of the letter is requested.
Audited Statements Submission: Submission of audited statements for 2022 to facilitate the calculation of 2022 levies.
MACRA emphasised the potential legal consequences of broadcasting without a valid license and reiterated its intention to take appropriate action against any illegal broadcasts under Section 187 of the Communications Act.
The authority's mission remains the establishment of a transparent and fair communication sector that safeguards consumer interests.
MACRA assured its vigilance by closely monitoring the situation and enforcing regulatory measures within its framework.
Multichoice Malawi is expected to respond to the regulatory communication with the outlined information and updates on the transition.