Communications Minister, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum stresses that the introduction of the National Spectrum Decree and review of radio frequency spectrum used by radio and television broadcasters, is not aimed at muzzling media freedom.
Sayed-Khaiyum said the main issue is that the nation's airwaves have been allocated in a disorganised, inefficient and ad-hoc fashion.
He said people will be held accountable and the decree is to ensure that an efficient system is set up.
Sayed-Khaiyum said the main issue is about spectrum allocation and management.
Meanwhile Television service provider, Mai TV has today welcomed the government's review of the radio frequency spectrum used by radio and television stations to broadcast to the nation.
In Mai TV's case, it's Chief Executive Richard Broadbridge said his TV station has to broadcast on a UHF channel because all the VHF frequencies in Suva, Nadi and Lautoka were allocated to Fiji TV.
Due to this, people who wanted to watch Mai TV, had to buy new UHF antennas for their homes.
Broadbridge said the main aim of this review and the new National Spectrum Decree should be that every broadcaster should be given a fair chance and the members of the public get their services without much hassle. He said one operator should not be using the majority or all channels which deprives the competitors from delivering on the same channels.
Under the new National Spectrum Decree gazetted on the 13th of this month, any allocation of radio frequency spectrum is now converted to a temporary allocation or use pending a determination by the minister which may or may not result in the issuance of new licenses to existing licensees or users.
It is also stated in the decree that no existing licensee or any other person or body shall be entitled to compensation or any other remedy in relation to the cancellation, reallocation or any other action or decision whatsoever taken by the Minister for Communications.
After the review and consultations according to the Spectrum Decree, the Minister for Communications may allocate and reallocate spectrum, band, frequency or microwave links for radio broadcast, television broadcast, telecommunications or any other service.
Under the decree, no court, tribunal commission or any other adjudicating body shall have the jurisdiction to accept, hear, determine or entertain any challenges by any person in relation to the validity or legality of any action or decision of the Minister under the decree.
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It is not to muzzle media freedom-Sayed-Khaiyum
