The Malta Communications Authority will no longer regulate tariffs charged to subscribers for broadcast content as of the date of coming into force of the new legal framework for electronic communications.
This was announced by the authority following concerns being voiced by consumers regarding access to broadcast content as well as changes in tariffs for such content.
The recent developments are a result of a number of factors including technological developments, the advent of competition in TV distribution, and in particular the acquisition of exclusive rights to transmit content that was traditionally viewed for free.
With regard the exclusive rights to content, the Authority explained that certain content is being blocked since the rights’ holders, such as FIFA, may grant exclusive rights to certain content and such rights cannot be infringed.
The MCA stated that it has been working in conjunction with a number of regulatory bodies, who are looking into the matter with urgency to ensure that, should any action be warranted, this is taken in short order. In this regard, meetings with all interested parties including the operators concerned are being held.
The authority added that every effort is being made to ensure that Melita and Multiplus subscribers are provided access to programming where this is possible without infringement on commercial rights of parties who have distribution rights to such programming.
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