Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Communications, Manoa Kamikamica says it is clear the FijiFirst Government wanted to also control the distribution network of all the media broadcasters by bringing in the Walesi network – which was a total and absolute abuse of power and media control.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Communications, Manoa Kamikamica says it is clear the FijiFirst Government wanted to also control the distribution network of all the media broadcasters by bringing in the Walesi network – which was a total and absolute abuse of power and media control.
While speaking in parliament, Kamikamica says there was a desire to continue to control the media, and it seems the Media Industry Development Act in place was not enough for the previous government.
He says praise God, the coalition government is getting rid of the Act. Kamikamica says to explain what Walesi is, the best description so far was given by a celebrated lawyer, Richard Naidu who said on 18th December 2021 and he quoted in part with some of Kamikamica’s additions “Imagine you own a bus. You’ve bought your buses. You’ve got your bus route licenses. Your business is running well.
You have some competition with other bus companies but that is OK because that’s business right? All of sudden the Government turns up on your route with shiny new buses and no one is quite sure what the Government is doing.
But the Government seems to be saying “Our buses are for all the people and you need to start using the Government buses. You have no choice and you might lose your license if you don't agree.
The poor bus operators ask what about our buses, and the answer from the Government is that is not our problem. The bus operators then ask, how are we going to pay for these new buses, The Government says let me talk to FCCC’’...in other words, the Government has no idea, how they were going to charge for Walesi.”
The Deputy Prime Minister also says as usual and true to form, when the International Telecommunications Union produced a report on digital TV, it made 2 recommendations very clearly - the need to have a business case to justify the investment that the Government was making and to ensure there was consultation with all stakeholders.
Kamikamica says no business case was ever tabled in Cabinet and neither was there proper consultation on Walesi with stakeholders.
The Deputy PM says he has been told that the broadcast stakeholders were basically forced onto Walesi or they ran the risk of losing their licenses.
He says from the very beginning, the Walesi was set up all wrong.
Kamikamica says the FijiFirst Government, and its Economic Manager, decided to spend money with no business case.
He says imagine if you or I were a CFO or Finance Manager of a company who went to its board to set up a business project with no idea what the total costs of your project were and how you would recover the money you were going to spend, we would be laughed out of the boardroom, or we would be fired.
Kamikamica says with the support of the silent 26, they allowed Aiyaz Sayed Khaiyum, the former Minister for Everything including Communications to spend $125 million with no business case and no proper consultation.
He says whilst he has put a hold on the continued migration of the radio operators to Walesi, the fact that the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission is still trying to work out pricing for the television and radio stations on how they will be charged for Walesi proves his point on the height of economic mismanagement.
Kamikamica says when you invest, and you don’t know how to recover the cost of your investment which now equates to $125 million, is a major concern.
He also says in terms of consultation, it was limited and virtually non-existent - practically in true FijiFirst Government fashion - my way or the highway.
The Board of Walesi is in the process of being changed.
Kamikamica says he has discussed this with the current Chairman, Robert Khan who has graciously offered to work with the new Board and its Chairman to ensure a smooth handover and transition.
He says the new Board will be tasked to finding a way out of the financial mess created by the previous Government and they will have the full support of the Ministry of Communications.
He adds the FijiFirst Government has left a litany of messes that this Government will have to fix whilst trying to run a normal business as well.
The story of Walesi is a classic example of government overreach, excessive control, wastage and mismanagement – and because of government overreach - $125 million of taxpayers money is wasted.
Those are the words of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Communications, Manoa Kamikamica in his ministerial statement on Walesi as he says it doesn’t stop there because there could be potential abuse of office and even possibly misleading parliament.
Kamikamica says he would like to report to the House that the total amount spent on Walesi as at 10th March 2023 and they are still discovering other payments, is $125,571,388.87 and counting.
He says out of the $125 million spent so far, about $42.48 million came from the Telecommunications Development Trust Fund (a Trust funded by telecommunication service providers) and $83 million came through budgetary channels.
Kamikamica says it is important because it shows a deeper concern on how money was being spent on and how it was being disclosed in parliament.
He gave an example - as per the information provided by the Ministry in 2016 to 2017, there was $23.7 million spent from the Trust Account but in the Budget for 2016 to 2017, there is only a disclosure of $2 million.
Kamikamica asks what does this mean.
He says this suggests that the FijiFirst Government did not disclose to the people of Fiji how much it was truly spending on Walesi out of the Trust Account and can be deemed as misleading the people of Fiji in his view.
The Deputy Prime Minister says he agrees that these are very serious allegations and the government is not taking it lightly.
Kamikamica says with Cabinet approval, an investigation is being undertaken into this excessive use of funds.
It will establish how the funds were spent, whether due process was followed in terms of a tender process, the selection of vendors and how procurement was made.
Kamikamica will report back to parliament once this audit investigation is carried out.
The story of Walesi is a classic example of government overreach, excessive control, wastage and mismanagement – and because of government overreach - $125 million of taxpayers money is wasted.
Those are the words of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Communications, Manoa Kamikamica in his ministerial statement on Walesi as he says it doesn’t stop there because there could be potential abuse of office and even possibly misleading parliament.
Kamikamica says he would like to report to the House that the total amount spent on Walesi as at 10th March 2023 and they are still discovering other payments, is $125,571,388.87 and counting.
He says out of the $125 million spent so far, about $42.48 million came from the Telecommunications Development Trust Fund (a Trust funded by telecommunication service providers) and $83 million came through budgetary channels.
Kamikamica says it is important because it shows a deeper concern on how money was being spent on and how it was being disclosed in parliament.
He gave an example - as per the information provided by the Ministry in 2016 to 2017, there was $23.7 million spent from the Trust Account but in the Budget for 2016 to 2017, there is only a disclosure of $2 million.
Kamikamica asks what does this mean.
He says this suggests that the FijiFirst Government did not disclose to the people of Fiji how much it was truly spending on Walesi out of the Trust Account and can be deemed as misleading the people of Fiji in his view.
The Deputy Prime Minister says he agrees that these are very serious allegations and the government is not taking it lightly.
Kamikamica says with Cabinet approval, an investigation is being undertaken into this excessive use of funds.
It will establish how the funds were spent, whether due process was followed in terms of a tender process, the selection of vendors and how procurement was made.
Kamikamica will report back to parliament once this audit investigation is carried out.
The story of Walesi is a classic example of government overreach, excessive control, wastage and mismanagement – and because of government overreach - $125 million of taxpayers money is wasted.
Those are the words of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Communications, Manoa Kamikamica in his ministerial statement on Walesi as he says it doesn’t stop there because there could be potential abuse of office and even possibly misleading parliament.
Kamikamica says he would like to report to the House that the total amount spent on Walesi as at 10th March 2023 and they are still discovering other payments, is $125,571,388.87 and counting.
He says out of the $125 million spent so far, about $42.48 million came from the Telecommunications Development Trust Fund (a Trust funded by telecommunication service providers) and $83 million came through budgetary channels.
Kamikamica says it is important because it shows a deeper concern on how money was being spent on and how it was being disclosed in parliament.
He gave an example - as per the information provided by the Ministry in 2016 to 2017, there was $23.7 million spent from the Trust Account but in the Budget for 2016 to 2017, there is only a disclosure of $2 million.
Kamikamica asks what does this mean.
He says this suggests that the FijiFirst Government did not disclose to the people of Fiji how much it was truly spending on Walesi out of the Trust Account and can be deemed as misleading the people of Fiji in his view.
The Deputy Prime Minister says he agrees that these are very serious allegations and the government is not taking it lightly.
Kamikamica says with Cabinet approval, an investigation is being undertaken into this excessive use of funds.
It will establish how the funds were spent, whether due process was followed in terms of a tender process, the selection of vendors and how procurement was made.
Kamikamica will report back to parliament once this audit investigation is carried out.
Walesi CEO Sanjay Maharaj says the Walesi Network Hub experienced no disruptions during TC Cody thanks to the design of its infrastructure however the National Federation Party Vice President and MP Lenora Qereqeretabua says Walesi needs to improve its internal controls, timeliness and effectiveness of financial reporting instead of bragging about staying operational throughout a Category 1 system which never made landfall in Fiji.
Maharaj says their infrastructure had been planned with cyclone resilience in mind, constant monitoring by its Network Operations Centre and contingency plans for power disruptions at their sites.
He says especially during natural disasters, Fijians need to have the latest news and updates and it has always been their goal to be well prepared beforehand in the event of such disasters.
Maharaj says this is why a lot of forethought and planning has gone into ensuring that their platform can weather these conditions, and all their sites are rated for Category 5 cyclones.
The CEO says their head-end services which receive communication signals for local distribution were working as normal during TC Cody.
He says their hard-working teams conduct regular preventive maintenance of equipment and transmission sites, as well as the redundancy systems they have in place in case their main system fails, and they have 2 backup generators with 10,000L fuel tanks at each transmission site.
Maharaj says in the past, similar disasters disrupted analogue television services, and restoration took a lot of time as the non-availability of analogue replacement gear is a key challenge for maintaining analogue services.
He says this is yet another reason why digital television is a superior platform since repairs are much easier as any required replacement parts are much more readily available.
Walesi Board Chairman, Robert Khan says the stability of the Walesi platform is one of the biggest reasons to switch over from analogue television.
Khan says in addition to the wide coverage provided by the Walesi network, allowing many Fijians who live in rural and maritime areas to finally have access to live TV, the resilience of their network is a major advantage, considering that Fiji regularly experiences cyclones.
Meanwhile, Lenora Qereqeretabua says damage to infrastructure, farms and crops were caused by floods, and Walesi, like other communication providers were spared because its towers did not suffer any damage.
She says Western Viti Levu was without power, with electricity restored to some areas in almost a week, so they were denied television service, so Walesi should stop bragging and start being transparent and accountable as the people need answers and not boastfulness.
Qereqeretabua also says government should answer why Robert Khan, who is the owner of Radio Tarana of New Zealand, is named as the Board Chair of Walesi in its statement.
Qereqeretabua also asked why is someone domiciled in New Zealand closely linked to an organization 100 percent owned and controlled by Government.
She questions why is Robert Khan also listed as the Principal on Walesi profile on Dun & Bradstreet Corporation, a firm based in the United States that provides commercial data analytics and insights for businesses as well as other services.
Qereqeretabua also asked why is Walesi’s modelled revenue listed to be USD$14.58 million, equivalent to around FJD$30 million on Dun & Bradstreet.
She says these are questions that can only be answered through an independent investigation.
Qereqeretabua says Walesi has been allocated over $67 million of taxpayer funds since 2015 and this is not a small change.
We have sent questions to the CEO of Walesi Sanjay Maharaj. He says that they will revert soon.
Walesi Fiji Limited says they are in no way, or have ever been affiliated with Dun & Bradstreet.
This comes after the National Federation Party Vice President and MP Lenora Qereqeretabua’s statement on why is Walesi’s modelled revenue listed to be USD$14.58 million, equivalent to around FJD$30 million on Dun & Bradstreet.
In a statement, Walesi says Dun & Bradstreet, where the NFP MP got her misinformation from, is a type of website that independently gathers data online to list firms in an online directory.
They say not only has Walesi never contacted or dealt with them in any capacity, but the information on the website is incorrect, as they have not supplied them with any information.
Walesi says to put this into context, Google, through its own data gathering, has listed the Walesi headquarters on Google Maps – and is Qereqeretabua now going to ask why Walesi is affiliated with Google.
They say these are silly statements that continue to distract organisations like Walesi from doing their jobs.
Walesi says they are baffled at Qereqeretabua’s comical allegations first published on the NFP Facebook page and later in traditional media, which were so outrageous that they were not sure whether to respond.
They say the NFP MP also comically asked why Walesi’s principal contact on the site is Walesi Board Chairman Robert Khan, but these are assumptions made by the website.
Walesi has also urged politicians to be responsible and not to spread misinformation.
They also urge Qereqeretabua to refrain from using the first Google search result she gets to make baseless claims.
Walesi says they are now considering legal options.
When questioned on Walesi considering legal options, Qereqeretabua says she will be responding later.
Walesi Fiji Limited says they have submitted all their financial reports until 2020 to the Office of the Auditor-General who unfortunately has continued to delay auditing and finalizing their financial accounts for every year since 2015.
In a statement, Walesi has stated that their financial reports from 2015 to 2017 have been audited by the Auditor General and have already been tabled as part of the Auditor General's report in Parliament which is also easily accessible online.
It says they had also submitted their 2018, 2019, and 2020 financial reports for auditing to the Auditor General's office and are waiting for them to finish the audit.
Walesi says they queried with the Auditor General multiple times in writing on the reason for the massive delays.
It adds that despite being the cause of the delays, the Auditor General in its 2020 report phrased the write-up about Walesi in a manner that made it seem like Walesi was causing the delay.
Walesi says page 8 of the 2019/2020 Report of the Auditor General in the audits status as at 31st July 2021 states that the 2016 audited financial statements were sent for signing on 12th July 2021 while 2017 audited financial statements were sent for signing on 16th August 2021.
They say it also states that the entity was yet to return the signed financial statements for 2016 and 2017.
Walesi says when written this way, one could assume the delay was from them.
They say the report also does not properly outline when the financial reports were sent.
Walesi has also stated that it has decided to find a more reliable and competent entity to audit their accounts.
We have sent questions to the Office of the Auditor-General on the statement released by Walesi.
They are yet to respond.
National Federation Party Vice-President and MP, Lenora Qereqeretabua is questioning the Minister for Communications, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum how the $67 million allocated to Walesi has been used and why is Walesi still under the control of the Minister when it has evolved into a public enterprise since its formative stages 6 years ago in 2015.
Qereqeretabua says the 2019-2020 Report by the Auditor-General on public enterprises and other entities, which was tabled in Parliament on 23rd September this year, provided a modified or qualified opinion in respect of Walesi’s 2015 financial statement because of ineffective internal controls.
She says their analysis of the Auditor-General’s Report together with budgetary allocations for Walesi a few years before its launch shows a total allocation of over $67 million in taxpayers’ funds from 2015 to date.
Qereqeretabua says this is similar to over $80 million given as grant since 2012 to Fijian Broadcasting Commission, which was later converted to fees for public service broadcast of radio and television services.
She says by the end of the current financial year on July 31st 2022, the taxpayers of Fiji would have provided in excess of $150 million to both Walesi and FBC.
Qereqeretabua says in return, the taxpayers with less than $30,000 per annum as family income are rewarded with a free set-top box for Walesi, but now being forced to fork out money for a UHF antenna, cable and installation if they want to watch free-to-air television on the digital platform.
She says this comes soon after the Auditor-General established that the timeliness and quality of reporting of financial statements by Walesi was ineffective.
Qereqeretabua says they are not surprised by this finding and for the Auditor-General’s modified opinion because in the last 6 years, no Annual Report for Walesi has been tabled in parliament.
She says this is an entity that falls under the AG, who prides at warning others about corruption and consistently lectures about the need for transparency and accountability.
Qereqeretabua says they want answers from the Minister on the use of every single dollar of over $67 million in taxpayers’ funds before they divulge further details.
We have sent questions to Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and Walesi for comments and clarification. They are yet to respond.
Walesi CEO Sanjay Maharaj says they are working on getting a team to revisit Gau Island to fix the connectivity issues after the Sawaieke Youth Club raised concerns that they have not had any television connectivity in their village hall from 2019.
Ratu Viliame Kamikamica of Sawaieke says their youth club was asked to pay for the Walesi agent's travel fare to Gau Island to fix their television connectivity problems.
Kamikamica says an agent was sent to install a Walesi set-top box and Walesi dish which was set up in their village hall in 2019.
He adds that when the agent returned, there was no Walesi connection from 2019 until today in the village hall.
Kamikamica says villagers can only watch TV in 4 of the 63 houses.
The 45-year-old says many of the villagers have their Walesi set-top boxes and antennas but are disappointed that they cannot have access to the Walesi network.
When questioned on the issues raised by the villagers of Sawaieke, the Walesi CEO says their support team is trying to get through to all their customers around the country as they are trying to assist them urgently.
Year 12 and 13 students can get access to revision work for English, Maths and Physics during the two weeks holiday on Walesi’s Education Channel from today.
The program has been planned to air revision lessons from 9am to 12pm for Year 12 students followed by lessons for Year 13 students from 12.30pm to 3.30pm everyday.
Minister for Education Premila Kumar says they are trying to provide the best support to students in order to help them prepare for their external exams in February.
Kumar says these lessons will cover difficult concepts which students could not answer well in the past external exams.
She is urging parents and guardians to encourage their children to watch these programs and do some revision during this break.
Kumar adds she is fully aware that students need a break and she hopes that apart from studying, students will enjoy their time with their families and friends.
Meanwhile Years 8 to 13 students will return to school on 4th January 2022 while Early Childhood Education to Year 7 students will resume face to face classes from 10th January.
Walesi Chief Executive Officer Sanjay Maharaj says it is important to note that Walesi is a service provider and not a content producer, therefore it is not within their means or expertise to inform television viewers of the switchover from analogue to digital television.
In a statement released on the Fijian Government facebook page, Maharaj says, however, the company has conducted extensive free installations as well as an extensive media campaign, especially on our social media, together with awareness roadshows to further accommodate the broadcasters and viewers alike, through this transition.
He says to allow for a smoother transition, this digital switchover is being done in a phased manner, with the first phase applying to the Navua-Korovou region and the Nadi-Lautoka corridor.
Maharaj adds the rollout programme is ongoing with the second phase of the rollout due for completion by June 2022 across the nation.
The Walesi CEO says at the present time, Walesi has 21 digital transmitter sites across Fiji and that is already 300% larger than existing analogue broadcast networks with expansion plans in the pipeline for Kadavu, Rotuma and Lakeba.
He adds 711 free TV sets and Walesi equipment installations have also been done in rural locations which grant over 120,000 people access to the information age.
Maharaj further says to date, Walesi has completed a two-year process distributing 189,526 Set-Top Boxes and 2,776 satellite receivers which have been distributed Fiji-wide.
He adds the Fijian Government has also facilitated the provision of TV sets and Walesi equipment in community halls, Government centres, and schools in over 700 communities.
Maharaj says additionally, over 600,000 viewers are already accessing television through the Walesi App, with more expected to join in the months to come.
He has revealed that television broadcasters are able to continue using the Walesi platform free of charge until the first quarter of 2022.
Maharaj says the access tariff is determined by the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission.
He adds having FCCC mediate between Walesi and the broadcasters has created an independent process and helps everyone involved to ensure a fair outcome.
Fiji Television Limited says the shutting down of the analogue transmitters in Suva and Nadi is in accordance with correspondence from the Ministry of Communications and is in line with phase one of the Government’s planned switch-over process from analogue to digital television, Walesi. FBC CEO Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum had said the switch over is good for the people as the picture and sound quality will be better. Mai TV Director Stanley Simpson said there are benefits that will come from this switch-over however they would have appreciated a bit more time to do this and any increase in transmission fees by Walesi will severely impact the television broadcast business in the country.
Following the switchover, some affected residents have shared their concerns with us.
A resident of Volivoli, Rakiraki was concerned he could not get a TV signal on the Walesi platform to watch the Dubai 7s.
Gyanendra Sharma said he has a Walesi set-top box and an antenna but he was not able to watch television.
He says he had bought an antenna for $75 when Walesi was introduced in Fiji.
37 year old, Maika Tikoilau from Nasau, Koro, Lomaiviti says villagers have been asked to pay for the Walesi agent’s travel fare to Koro Island to fix their TV connectivity problems.
Tikoilau says many of the villagers have their own Walesi set-top boxes and antennas but they are disappointed that they cannot access the Walesi network.
He says some of the villagers were planning to travel to Suva to buy a set-top box but they couldn't due to the fear of another lockdown.
Some residents of Naivikinikini in Lami who do not have access to Walesi set-top boxes connected to their home television set are disappointed as they no longer have access to television channels.
Frances Qounadovu says this was the talk of the town for them as there was no prior notice given about the switch over.
She says majority of the homes have the Walesi set-top box but do not have the UHF antenna as it is expensive.
Qounadovu says this has had a great impact on them.
Suva lawyer Richard Naidu believes that it should be consumer demand that drives television stations onto a digital platform like Walesi and it should not be the Government forcing them onto that platform.
Naidu says he is asking these questions because we know so little about the amount of tax dollars being spent on Walesi.
He says the question is why is the Government saying use only the Walesi platform when there are still other platforms available.
Naidu adds he is not saying do not use Walesi but he is asking why use only Walesi.
He says the first consequence of this change is already here where there are a number of people who simply can no longer access their TV channels.
The Suva lawyer further adds every content provider who can now only distribute through Walesi is completely at Walesi’s mercy.
Naidu says why are private-sector television channels being forced to do something they do not want to do.
He adds after having being forced to do it, the television channels are now also being forced to pay.
Fiji Television Limited has today announced that their analogue free to air television transmitter in Tamavua, Suva and Sabeto in Nadi will be shut down from tomorrow after the Government’s decision for the companies to move from analogue to the digital platform, Walesi.
This means that people in the affected areas will only be able to access the Fiji One TV signal via a Walesi set-top box connected to their home television set with a UHF antenna or through the Walesi app or via a Walesi satellite dish connected to the set-top box.
From tomorrow, people in the affected areas can no longer access the Fiji One TV signal via an antenna connected to their television set.
In a market announcement, the publicly listed company says the shutting down of the analogue transmitters in Suva and Nadi is in accordance with correspondence from the Ministry of Communications and is in line with phase one of the Government’s planned switch-over process from analogue to digital television, Walesi.
Fiji TV says the areas affected in the Central and Eastern Division are Pacific Harbour, parts of Beqa, Navua, Naboro, Wainadoi, Lami, Delainavesi, all areas in Suva, all areas in Nasinu, all areas in Nausori, parts of Korovou and Natovi, parts of Ovalau, parts of Koro, parts of Batiki and Moturiki, areas affected in the Western Division include Nadi, Lautoka, parts of Ba, parts of Mamanuca and Yasawa and parts of the Coral Coast, and Vunisea and surrounding areas in Kadavu.
The company says Fiji One viewers in Ba and Vanua Levu will continue to access Fiji One via the analogue platform however they are strongly advised to switch over to Walesi.
We have sent questions to Fiji TV on what is the financial impact on the company, what is the asset value of the transmitters being shut down and what would all those assets be used for, what is the fee that Fiji TV has to pay to Walesi for their channels on the platform, how will this affect the company financially, did the company enter into negotiations on the shut down of the analogue transmitters and what was the advice given by the company to the Ministry of Communications on the effects on the company and the people that do not have Walesi set-top boxes, antennas or dishes, their thoughts on whether there are any benefits to leave the analogue transmitters on for those who do not have the Walesi set-top boxes and whether there have been any discussions on the type of licence Fiji TV has and are there any changes to it since the transmission is being moved to the Walesi platform.
We have also sent questions to Acting Permanent Secretary for Communications, Tupou’tuah Baravilala on the Fiji TV market announcement.
Fijivillage is awaiting the response from Fiji TV and the Communications Ministry.
Related story:
By: Vijay Narayan
Tuesday 30/11/2021
The Fijian Broadcasting Corporation will be shutting down their analogue free to air television transmitter in Sabeto and Nakobalevu from tomorrow following Government’s decision for the companies to move from analogue to the digital platform, Walesi.
This means that people in the affected areas will only be able to access the FBC TV signal via a Walesi set-top box connected to their home television set with a UHF antenna or through the Walesi app or via a Walesi satellite dish connected to the set-top box.
From tomorrow, people in the affected areas can no longer access the FBC TV signal via an antenna connected to their television set.
FBC CEO Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says the switch over is good for the people as the picture and sound quality will be better.
Sayed-Khaiyum says because of the work that Walesi has done, more Fijians in these areas will get better access to television.
He says there is no financial impact on the company and instead of paying for the upkeep of their transmitters, this responsibility will now shift to Walesi who will be paid a fee by the television companies.
The FBC CEO says they have not sold any of their transmitters to Walesi.
By: Shanil Singh
Tuesday 30/11/2021
Mai TV will be shutting down their analogue free to air television transmitters in Lololo, Sabeto and Nakobalevu at midnight tonight following Government’s decision for the companies to move from analogue to the digital platform, Walesi.
This means that people in the affected areas will only be able to access the Mai TV signal via a Walesi set-top box connected to their home television set with a UHF antenna or through the Walesi app or via a Walesi satellite dish connected to the set-top box.
From tomorrow, people in the affected areas can no longer access the Mai TV signal via an antenna connected to their television set.
Mai TV Director Stanley Simpson says there are benefits that will come from this switch-over however they would have appreciated a bit more time to do this and any increase in transmission fees by Walesi will severely impact the television broadcast business in the country.
He says the Government is trying to move forward and Mai TV will have to go along with the conditions provided within the license.
Simpson adds they are still waiting to find out the amount of fee they will be charged by Walesi and the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission is looking into this.
He adds they are still in the process of working out how this will impact the company financially.
37 year old, Maika Tikoilau from Nasau, Koro, Lomaiviti says villagers have been asked to pay for the Walesi agent’s travel fare to Koro Island to fix their TV connectivity problems. Tikoilau says many of the villagers have their own Walesi set-top boxes and antennas but they are disappointed that they cannot access the Walesi network.
He says previously some high areas of Nasau had TV signals and they used to watch it just by connecting their antenna to the television set. This was an option when the analogue transmitters of the TV stations were on, however people can only access TV now via a Walesi set top box connected to a UHF antenna or satellite dish.
Tikoilau adds some of the villagers were planning to travel to Suva to buy a set-top box but they couldn't due to the fear of another lockdown.
Walesi CEO, Sanjay Maharaj says Koro Island is not affected by the digital switch over as they waived installation fees for affected areas from September to November 2021.
The CEO says households requiring Walesi technicians to attend the installation would need to pay a fee. Meanwhile, Samuela Moce who hails from the village of Nacamaki, Koro, Lomaiviti says people need to get a Walesi set-top box.
Moce says some villagers have been updated and educated from TV programs while using Walesi. He says for those that do not have access to TV are just going back in time.
A resident of Volivoli, Rakiraki has raised concerns as he cannot get a TV signal on the Walesi platform since last week and they want to watch the Dubai 7s.
Gyanendra Sharma says he has a Walesi set-top box and an antenna but he is not able to watch television.
He says he had bought an antenna for $75 when Walesi was introduced in Fiji.
Sharma says several other families are facing the same issue and they have lodged a complaint with Walesi several times but the issue has not been fixed yet.
We have contacted Walesi regarding this complaint however they say they are unaware of any network issues in the area, and they are requesting the customer to contact them directly.
Nadawa resident Jovesa Korovulavula says they are planning to purchase a Walesi set top box and UHF antenna to watch the Dubai 7s this weekend.
Korovulavula says if they are not able to purchase it soon enough then they will be going to his sister’s house to watch the 7s.
Meanwhile, following the switching off of analogue television transmission in many parts of the country, some residents of Naivikinikini in Lami who do not have access to Walesi set-top boxes connected to their home television set are disappointed as they no longer have access to television channels.
Frances Qounadovu says this was the talk of the town for them as there was no prior notice given about the switch over.
She says majority of the homes have the Walesi set-top box but do not have the UHF antenna as it is expensive.
Qounadovu says this has had a great impact on them.
Qounadovu says only about 10 out of the 60 families in Naivikinikini have access to Walesi channels.
Households with a combined annual income of up to $30,000 a year can apply for a free Walesi set-top box under the Government’s subsidised scheme.
Walesi also says 189,526 homes are connected to Walesi Digital Television.
Fiji Television Limited announced on Tuesday that their analogue free to air television transmitter in Tamavua, Suva and Sabeto in Nadi will be shut down from this Wednesday after the Government’s decision for the companies to move from analogue to the digital platform, Walesi.
This means that people in the affected areas will only be able to access the Fiji One TV signal via a Walesi set-top box connected to their home television set with a UHF antenna or through the Walesi app or via a Walesi satellite dish connected to the set-top box. People in the affected areas can no longer access the Fiji One TV, FBC TV, Mai TV or any other TV signal via an antenna connected to their television set.
In a market announcement, the publicly listed company says the shutting down of the analogue transmitters in Suva and Nadi is in accordance with correspondence from the Ministry of Communications and is in line with phase one of the Government’s planned switch-over process from analogue to digital television, Walesi. Fiji TV says the areas affected in the Central and Eastern Division are Pacific Harbour, parts of Beqa, Navua, Naboro, Wainadoi, Lami, Delainavesi, all areas in Suva, all areas in Nasinu, all areas in Nausori, parts of Korovou and Natovi, parts of Ovalau, parts of Koro, parts of Batiki and Moturiki, areas affected in the Western Division include Nadi, Lautoka, parts of Ba, parts of Mamanuca and Yasawa and parts of the Coral Coast, and Vunisea and surrounding areas in Kadavu. The company says Fiji One viewers in Ba and Vanua Levu will continue to access Fiji One via the analogue platform however they are strongly advised to switch over to Walesi. We have sent questions to Fiji TV on what is the financial impact on the company, what is the asset value of the transmitters being shut down and what would all those assets be used for, what is the fee that Fiji TV has to pay to Walesi for their channels on the platform, how will this affect the company financially, did the company enter into negotiations on the shut down of the analogue transmitters and what was the advice given by the company to the Ministry of Communications on the effects on the company and the people that do not have Walesi set-top boxes, antennas or dishes, their thoughts on whether there are any benefits to leave the analogue transmitters on for those who do not have the Walesi set-top boxes and whether there have been any discussions on the type of license Fiji TV has and are there any changes to it since the transmission is being moved to the Walesi platform.
Fiji Television Limited has released another market announcement saying that it has been granted a Television Broadcast Operator License for a period of 12 years with effect from Wednesday, December 1st 2021.
It says this license was granted today by the Attorney General and Minister of Communication, Aiyaz Saiyed-Khaiyum, under the Television and Online Streaming Act 1992.
The license entitles Fiji TV to operate a free to air television broadcast service.
Chairman, Deepak Rathod says he is pleased with the 12 years broadcast license as it will enhance investor confidence in Fiji TV as a listed company.
We have sent questions to Acting Permanent Secretary for Communications, Tupou’tuah Baravilala on the Fiji TV market announcement.
We are still awaiting the response from Fiji TV and the Communications Ministry.
Following the switching off of analogue television transmission in many parts of the country, some residents of Naivikinikini in Lami who do not have access to Walesi set-top boxes connected to their home television set are disappointed as they no longer have access to television channels.
Frances Qounadovu says this was the talk of the town for them as there was no prior notice given about the switch over.
She says majority of the homes have the Walesi set-top box but do not have the UHF antenna as it is expensive.
Qounadovu says this has had a great impact on them.
Qounadovu says only about 10 out of the 60 families in Naivikinikini have access to Walesi channels.
Fiji Television Limited announced on Tuesday that their analogue free to air television transmitter in Tamavua, Suva and Sabeto in Nadi will be shut down from this Wednesday after the Government’s decision for the companies to move from analogue to the digital platform, Walesi.
This means that people in the affected areas will only be able to access the Fiji One TV signal via a Walesi set-top box connected to their home television set with a UHF antenna or through the Walesi app or via a Walesi satellite dish connected to the set-top box.
People in the affected areas can no longer access the Fiji One TV or any other TV signal via an antenna connected to their television set. In a market announcement, the publicly listed company says the shutting down of the analogue transmitters in Suva and Nadi is in accordance with correspondence from the Ministry of Communications and is in line with phase one of the Government’s planned switch-over process from analogue to digital television, Walesi.
Fiji TV says the areas affected in the Central and Eastern Division are Pacific Harbour, parts of Beqa, Navua, Naboro, Wainadoi, Lami, Delainavesi, all areas in Suva, all areas in Nasinu, all areas in Nausori, parts of Korovou and Natovi, parts of Ovalau, parts of Koro, parts of Batiki and Moturiki, areas affected in the Western Division include Nadi, Lautoka, parts of Ba, parts of Mamanuca and Yasawa and parts of the Coral Coast, and Vunisea and surrounding areas in Kadavu.
The company says Fiji One viewers in Ba and Vanua Levu will continue to access Fiji One via the analogue platform however they are strongly advised to switch over to Walesi.
We have sent questions to Fiji TV on what is the financial impact on the company, what is the asset value of the transmitters being shut down and what would all those assets be used for, what is the fee that Fiji TV has to pay to Walesi for their channels on the platform, how will this affect the company financially, did the company enter into negotiations on the shut down of the analogue transmitters and what was the advice given by the company to the Ministry of Communications on the effects on the company and the people that do not have Walesi set-top boxes, antennas or dishes, their thoughts on whether there are any benefits to leave the analogue transmitters on for those who do not have the Walesi set-top boxes and whether there have been any discussions on the type of license Fiji TV has and are there any changes to it since the transmission is being moved to the Walesi platform.
Fiji Television Limited has released another market announcement saying that it has been granted a Television Broadcast Operator License for a period of 12 years with effect from Wednesday, December 1st 2021.
It says this license was granted today by the Attorney General and Minister of Communication, Aiyaz Saiyed-Khaiyum, under the Television and Online Streaming Act 1992.
The license entitles Fiji TV to operate a free to air television broadcast service.
Chairman, Deepak Rathod says he is pleased with the 12 years broadcast license as it will enhance investor confidence in Fiji TV as a listed company.
We have sent questions to Acting Permanent Secretary for Communications, Tupou’tuah Baravilala on the Fiji TV market announcement.
We are still awaiting the response from Fiji TV and the Communications Ministry.
Related story:
By: Vijay Narayan
Tuesday 30/11/2021
The Fijian Broadcasting Corporation will be shutting down their analogue free to air television transmitter in Sabeto and Nakobalevu from tomorrow following Government’s decision for the companies to move from analogue to the digital platform, Walesi.
This means that people in the affected areas will only be able to access the FBC TV signal via a Walesi set-top box connected to their home television set with a UHF antenna or through the Walesi app or via a Walesi satellite dish connected to the set-top box.
From tomorrow, people in the affected areas can no longer access the FBC TV signal via an antenna connected to their television set.
FBC CEO Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says the switch over is good for the people as the picture and sound quality will be better.
Sayed-Khaiyum says because of the work that Walesi has done, more Fijians in these areas will get better access to television.
He says there is no financial impact on the company and instead of paying for the upkeep of their transmitters, this responsibility will now shift to Walesi who will be paid a fee by the television companies.
The FBC CEO says they have not sold any of their transmitters to Walesi.
By: Shanil Singh
Tuesday 30/11/2021
Mai TV will be shutting down their analogue free to air television transmitters in Lololo, Sabeto and Nakobalevu at midnight tonight following Government’s decision for the companies to move from analogue to the digital platform, Walesi.
This means that people in the affected areas will only be able to access the Mai TV signal via a Walesi set-top box connected to their home television set with a UHF antenna or through the Walesi app or via a Walesi satellite dish connected to the set-top box.
From tomorrow, people in the affected areas can no longer access the Mai TV signal via an antenna connected to their television set.
Mai TV Director Stanley Simpson says there are benefits that will come from this switch-over however they would have appreciated a bit more time to do this and any increase in transmission fees by Walesi will severely impact the television broadcast business in the country.
He says the Government is trying to move forward and Mai TV will have to go along with the conditions provided within the license.
Simpson adds they are still waiting to find out the amount of fee they will be charged by Walesi and the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission is looking into this.
He adds they are still in the process of working out how this will impact the company financially.
Suva lawyer Richard Naidu believes that it should be consumer demand that drives television stations onto a digital platform like Walesi and it should not be the Government forcing them onto that platform.
Naidu says he is asking these questions because we know so little about the amount of tax dollars being spent on Walesi.
He says the question is why is the Government saying use only the Walesi platform when there are still other platforms available.
Naidu adds he is not saying do not use Walesi but he is asking why use only Walesi.
He says the first consequence of this change is already here where there are a number of people who simply can no longer access their TV channels.
The Suva lawyer further adds every content provider who can now only distribute through Walesi is completely at Walesi’s mercy.
Naidu says why are private sector television channels being forced to do something they do not want to do.
He adds after having being forced to do it, the television channels are now also being forced to pay.
Suva lawyer Richard Naidu believes that it should be consumer demand that drives television stations onto a digital platform like Walesi and it should not be the Government forcing them onto that platform.
Naidu says he is asking these questions because we know so little about the amount of tax dollars being spent on Walesi.
He says the question is why is the Government saying use only the Walesi platform when there are still other platforms available.
Naidu adds he is not saying do not use Walesi but he is asking why use only Walesi.
He says the first consequence of this change is already here where there are a number of people who simply can no longer access their TV channels.
The Suva lawyer further adds every content provider who can now only distribute through Walesi is completely at Walesi’s mercy.
Naidu says why are private-sector television channels being forced to do something they do not want to do.
He adds after having being forced to do it, the television channels are now also being forced to pay.
Fiji Television Limited has today announced that their analogue free to air television transmitter in Tamavua, Suva and Sabeto in Nadi will be shut down from tomorrow after the Government’s decision for the companies to move from analogue to the digital platform, Walesi.
This means that people in the affected areas will only be able to access the Fiji One TV signal via a Walesi set-top box connected to their home television set with a UHF antenna or through the Walesi app or via a Walesi satellite dish connected to the set-top box.
From tomorrow, people in the affected areas can no longer access the Fiji One TV signal via an antenna connected to their television set.
In a market announcement, the publicly listed company says the shutting down of the analogue transmitters in Suva and Nadi is in accordance with correspondence from the Ministry of Communications and is in line with phase one of the Government’s planned switch-over process from analogue to digital television, Walesi.
Fiji TV says the areas affected in the Central and Eastern Division are Pacific Harbour, parts of Beqa, Navua, Naboro, Wainadoi, Lami, Delainavesi, all areas in Suva, all areas in Nasinu, all areas in Nausori, parts of Korovou and Natovi, parts of Ovalau, parts of Koro, parts of Batiki and Moturiki, areas affected in the Western Division include Nadi, Lautoka, parts of Ba, parts of Mamanuca and Yasawa and parts of the Coral Coast, and Vunisea and surrounding areas in Kadavu.
The company says Fiji One viewers in Ba and Vanua Levu will continue to access Fiji One via the analogue platform however they are strongly advised to switch over to Walesi.
We have sent questions to Fiji TV on what is the financial impact on the company, what is the asset value of the transmitters being shut down and what would all those assets be used for, what is the fee that Fiji TV has to pay to Walesi for their channels on the platform, how will this affect the company financially, did the company enter into negotiations on the shut down of the analogue transmitters and what was the advice given by the company to the Ministry of Communications on the effects on the company and the people that do not have Walesi set-top boxes, antennas or dishes, their thoughts on whether there are any benefits to leave the analogue transmitters on for those who do not have the Walesi set-top boxes and whether there have been any discussions on the type of licence Fiji TV has and are there any changes to it since the transmission is being moved to the Walesi platform.
We have also sent questions to Acting Permanent Secretary for Communications, Tupou’tuah Baravilala on the Fiji TV market announcement.
Fijivillage is awaiting the response from Fiji TV and the Communications Ministry.
Related story:
By: Vijay Narayan
Tuesday 30/11/2021
The Fijian Broadcasting Corporation will be shutting down their analogue free to air television transmitter in Sabeto and Nakobalevu from tomorrow following Government’s decision for the companies to move from analogue to the digital platform, Walesi.
This means that people in the affected areas will only be able to access the FBC TV signal via a Walesi set-top box connected to their home television set with a UHF antenna or through the Walesi app or via a Walesi satellite dish connected to the set-top box.
From tomorrow, people in the affected areas can no longer access the FBC TV signal via an antenna connected to their television set.
FBC CEO Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says the switch over is good for the people as the picture and sound quality will be better.
Sayed-Khaiyum says because of the work that Walesi has done, more Fijians in these areas will get better access to television.
He says there is no financial impact on the company and instead of paying for the upkeep of their transmitters, this responsibility will now shift to Walesi who will be paid a fee by the television companies.
The FBC CEO says they have not sold any of their transmitters to Walesi.
By: Shanil Singh
Tuesday 30/11/2021
Mai TV will be shutting down their analogue free to air television transmitters in Lololo, Sabeto and Nakobalevu at midnight tonight following Government’s decision for the companies to move from analogue to the digital platform, Walesi.
This means that people in the affected areas will only be able to access the Mai TV signal via a Walesi set-top box connected to their home television set with a UHF antenna or through the Walesi app or via a Walesi satellite dish connected to the set-top box.
From tomorrow, people in the affected areas can no longer access the Mai TV signal via an antenna connected to their television set.
Mai TV Director Stanley Simpson says there are benefits that will come from this switch-over however they would have appreciated a bit more time to do this and any increase in transmission fees by Walesi will severely impact the television broadcast business in the country.
He says the Government is trying to move forward and Mai TV will have to go along with the conditions provided within the license.
Simpson adds they are still waiting to find out the amount of fee they will be charged by Walesi and the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission is looking into this.
He adds they are still in the process of working out how this will impact the company financially.
37 year old, Maika Tikoilau from Nasau, Koro, Lomaiviti says villagers have been asked to pay for the Walesi agent’s travel fare to Koro Island to fix their TV connectivity problems. Tikoilau says many of the villagers have their own Walesi set-top boxes and antennas but they are disappointed that they cannot access the Walesi network.
He says previously some high areas of Nasau had TV signals and they used to watch it just by connecting their antenna to the television set. This was an option when the analogue transmitters of the TV stations were on, however people can only access TV now via a Walesi set top box connected to a UHF antenna or satellite dish.
Tikoilau adds some of the villagers were planning to travel to Suva to buy a set-top box but they couldn't due to the fear of another lockdown.
Walesi CEO, Sanjay Maharaj says Koro Island is not affected by the digital switch over as they waived installation fees for affected areas from September to November 2021.
The CEO says households requiring Walesi technicians to attend the installation would need to pay a fee. Meanwhile, Samuela Moce who hails from the village of Nacamaki, Koro, Lomaiviti says people need to get a Walesi set-top box.
Moce says some villagers have been updated and educated from TV programs while using Walesi. He says for those that do not have access to TV are just going back in time.
A resident of Volivoli, Rakiraki has raised concerns as he cannot get a TV signal on the Walesi platform since last week and they want to watch the Dubai 7s.
Gyanendra Sharma says he has a Walesi set-top box and an antenna but he is not able to watch television.
He says he had bought an antenna for $75 when Walesi was introduced in Fiji.
Sharma says several other families are facing the same issue and they have lodged a complaint with Walesi several times but the issue has not been fixed yet.
We have contacted Walesi regarding this complaint however they say they are unaware of any network issues in the area, and they are requesting the customer to contact them directly.
Nadawa resident Jovesa Korovulavula says they are planning to purchase a Walesi set top box and UHF antenna to watch the Dubai 7s this weekend.
Korovulavula says if they are not able to purchase it soon enough then they will be going to his sister’s house to watch the 7s.
Meanwhile, following the switching off of analogue television transmission in many parts of the country, some residents of Naivikinikini in Lami who do not have access to Walesi set-top boxes connected to their home television set are disappointed as they no longer have access to television channels.
Frances Qounadovu says this was the talk of the town for them as there was no prior notice given about the switch over.
She says majority of the homes have the Walesi set-top box but do not have the UHF antenna as it is expensive.
Qounadovu says this has had a great impact on them.
Qounadovu says only about 10 out of the 60 families in Naivikinikini have access to Walesi channels.
Households with a combined annual income of up to $30,000 a year can apply for a free Walesi set-top box under the Government’s subsidised scheme.
Walesi also says 189,526 homes are connected to Walesi Digital Television.
Fiji Television Limited announced on Tuesday that their analogue free to air television transmitter in Tamavua, Suva and Sabeto in Nadi will be shut down from this Wednesday after the Government’s decision for the companies to move from analogue to the digital platform, Walesi.
This means that people in the affected areas will only be able to access the Fiji One TV signal via a Walesi set-top box connected to their home television set with a UHF antenna or through the Walesi app or via a Walesi satellite dish connected to the set-top box. People in the affected areas can no longer access the Fiji One TV, FBC TV, Mai TV or any other TV signal via an antenna connected to their television set.
In a market announcement, the publicly listed company says the shutting down of the analogue transmitters in Suva and Nadi is in accordance with correspondence from the Ministry of Communications and is in line with phase one of the Government’s planned switch-over process from analogue to digital television, Walesi. Fiji TV says the areas affected in the Central and Eastern Division are Pacific Harbour, parts of Beqa, Navua, Naboro, Wainadoi, Lami, Delainavesi, all areas in Suva, all areas in Nasinu, all areas in Nausori, parts of Korovou and Natovi, parts of Ovalau, parts of Koro, parts of Batiki and Moturiki, areas affected in the Western Division include Nadi, Lautoka, parts of Ba, parts of Mamanuca and Yasawa and parts of the Coral Coast, and Vunisea and surrounding areas in Kadavu. The company says Fiji One viewers in Ba and Vanua Levu will continue to access Fiji One via the analogue platform however they are strongly advised to switch over to Walesi. We have sent questions to Fiji TV on what is the financial impact on the company, what is the asset value of the transmitters being shut down and what would all those assets be used for, what is the fee that Fiji TV has to pay to Walesi for their channels on the platform, how will this affect the company financially, did the company enter into negotiations on the shut down of the analogue transmitters and what was the advice given by the company to the Ministry of Communications on the effects on the company and the people that do not have Walesi set-top boxes, antennas or dishes, their thoughts on whether there are any benefits to leave the analogue transmitters on for those who do not have the Walesi set-top boxes and whether there have been any discussions on the type of license Fiji TV has and are there any changes to it since the transmission is being moved to the Walesi platform.
Fiji Television Limited has released another market announcement saying that it has been granted a Television Broadcast Operator License for a period of 12 years with effect from Wednesday, December 1st 2021.
It says this license was granted today by the Attorney General and Minister of Communication, Aiyaz Saiyed-Khaiyum, under the Television and Online Streaming Act 1992.
The license entitles Fiji TV to operate a free to air television broadcast service.
Chairman, Deepak Rathod says he is pleased with the 12 years broadcast license as it will enhance investor confidence in Fiji TV as a listed company.
We have sent questions to Acting Permanent Secretary for Communications, Tupou’tuah Baravilala on the Fiji TV market announcement.
We are still awaiting the response from Fiji TV and the Communications Ministry.
Following the switching off of analogue television transmission in many parts of the country, some residents of Naivikinikini in Lami who do not have access to Walesi set-top boxes connected to their home television set are disappointed as they no longer have access to television channels.
Frances Qounadovu says this was the talk of the town for them as there was no prior notice given about the switch over.
She says majority of the homes have the Walesi set-top box but do not have the UHF antenna as it is expensive.
Qounadovu says this has had a great impact on them.
Qounadovu says only about 10 out of the 60 families in Naivikinikini have access to Walesi channels.
Fiji Television Limited announced on Tuesday that their analogue free to air television transmitter in Tamavua, Suva and Sabeto in Nadi will be shut down from this Wednesday after the Government’s decision for the companies to move from analogue to the digital platform, Walesi.
This means that people in the affected areas will only be able to access the Fiji One TV signal via a Walesi set-top box connected to their home television set with a UHF antenna or through the Walesi app or via a Walesi satellite dish connected to the set-top box.
People in the affected areas can no longer access the Fiji One TV or any other TV signal via an antenna connected to their television set. In a market announcement, the publicly listed company says the shutting down of the analogue transmitters in Suva and Nadi is in accordance with correspondence from the Ministry of Communications and is in line with phase one of the Government’s planned switch-over process from analogue to digital television, Walesi.
Fiji TV says the areas affected in the Central and Eastern Division are Pacific Harbour, parts of Beqa, Navua, Naboro, Wainadoi, Lami, Delainavesi, all areas in Suva, all areas in Nasinu, all areas in Nausori, parts of Korovou and Natovi, parts of Ovalau, parts of Koro, parts of Batiki and Moturiki, areas affected in the Western Division include Nadi, Lautoka, parts of Ba, parts of Mamanuca and Yasawa and parts of the Coral Coast, and Vunisea and surrounding areas in Kadavu.
The company says Fiji One viewers in Ba and Vanua Levu will continue to access Fiji One via the analogue platform however they are strongly advised to switch over to Walesi.
We have sent questions to Fiji TV on what is the financial impact on the company, what is the asset value of the transmitters being shut down and what would all those assets be used for, what is the fee that Fiji TV has to pay to Walesi for their channels on the platform, how will this affect the company financially, did the company enter into negotiations on the shut down of the analogue transmitters and what was the advice given by the company to the Ministry of Communications on the effects on the company and the people that do not have Walesi set-top boxes, antennas or dishes, their thoughts on whether there are any benefits to leave the analogue transmitters on for those who do not have the Walesi set-top boxes and whether there have been any discussions on the type of license Fiji TV has and are there any changes to it since the transmission is being moved to the Walesi platform.
Fiji Television Limited has released another market announcement saying that it has been granted a Television Broadcast Operator License for a period of 12 years with effect from Wednesday, December 1st 2021.
It says this license was granted today by the Attorney General and Minister of Communication, Aiyaz Saiyed-Khaiyum, under the Television and Online Streaming Act 1992.
The license entitles Fiji TV to operate a free to air television broadcast service.
Chairman, Deepak Rathod says he is pleased with the 12 years broadcast license as it will enhance investor confidence in Fiji TV as a listed company.
We have sent questions to Acting Permanent Secretary for Communications, Tupou’tuah Baravilala on the Fiji TV market announcement.
We are still awaiting the response from Fiji TV and the Communications Ministry.
Related story:
By: Vijay Narayan
Tuesday 30/11/2021
The Fijian Broadcasting Corporation will be shutting down their analogue free to air television transmitter in Sabeto and Nakobalevu from tomorrow following Government’s decision for the companies to move from analogue to the digital platform, Walesi.
This means that people in the affected areas will only be able to access the FBC TV signal via a Walesi set-top box connected to their home television set with a UHF antenna or through the Walesi app or via a Walesi satellite dish connected to the set-top box.
From tomorrow, people in the affected areas can no longer access the FBC TV signal via an antenna connected to their television set.
FBC CEO Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says the switch over is good for the people as the picture and sound quality will be better.
Sayed-Khaiyum says because of the work that Walesi has done, more Fijians in these areas will get better access to television.
He says there is no financial impact on the company and instead of paying for the upkeep of their transmitters, this responsibility will now shift to Walesi who will be paid a fee by the television companies.
The FBC CEO says they have not sold any of their transmitters to Walesi.
By: Shanil Singh
Tuesday 30/11/2021
Mai TV will be shutting down their analogue free to air television transmitters in Lololo, Sabeto and Nakobalevu at midnight tonight following Government’s decision for the companies to move from analogue to the digital platform, Walesi.
This means that people in the affected areas will only be able to access the Mai TV signal via a Walesi set-top box connected to their home television set with a UHF antenna or through the Walesi app or via a Walesi satellite dish connected to the set-top box.
From tomorrow, people in the affected areas can no longer access the Mai TV signal via an antenna connected to their television set.
Mai TV Director Stanley Simpson says there are benefits that will come from this switch-over however they would have appreciated a bit more time to do this and any increase in transmission fees by Walesi will severely impact the television broadcast business in the country.
He says the Government is trying to move forward and Mai TV will have to go along with the conditions provided within the license.
Simpson adds they are still waiting to find out the amount of fee they will be charged by Walesi and the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission is looking into this.
He adds they are still in the process of working out how this will impact the company financially.
Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre Coordinator Shamima Ali says life is already very difficult and she is finding it hard to understand the changes the Government is making to Walesi.
While speaking at the Fiji NGO Coalition Human Rights Day Picnic at the Park at My Suva Park, Ali says what is this all about in this time of COVID-19 and when cyclones are about to come.
Ali also says the elections are next year and people should not be swayed by freebies and demand what is important to them.
She also urged women to stand up for leadership positions.
The government has made the decision for television companies to move from analogue to the digital platform, Walesi.
This means that people in the affected areas will only be able to access the TV signal via a Walesi set-top box connected to their home television set with a UHF antenna or through the Walesi app or via a Walesi satellite dish connected to the set-top box.
People in the affected areas can no longer access a TV signal via an antenna connected to their television set.
Fiji Television Limited says the shutting down of the analogue transmitters in Suva and Nadi is in accordance with correspondence from the Ministry of Communications and is in line with phase one of the Government’s planned switch-over process from analogue to digital television, Walesi.
FBC CEO Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum had said the switch over is good for the people as the picture and sound quality will be better.
Mai TV Director Stanley Simpson said there are benefits that will come from this switch-over however they would have appreciated a bit more time to do this and any increase in transmission fees by Walesi will severely impact the television broadcast business in the country.
37 year old, Maika Tikoilau from Nasau, Koro, Lomaiviti says villagers have been asked to pay for the Walesi agent’s travel fare to Koro Island to fix their TV connectivity problems. Tikoilau says many of the villagers have their own Walesi set-top boxes and antennas but they are disappointed that they cannot access the Walesi network.
He says previously some high areas of Nasau had TV signals and they used to watch it just by connecting their antenna to the television set. This was an option when the analogue transmitters of the TV stations were on, however people can only access TV now via a Walesi set top box connected to a UHF antenna or satellite dish.
Tikoilau adds some of the villagers were planning to travel to Suva to buy a set-top box but they couldn't due to the fear of another lockdown.
Walesi CEO, Sanjay Maharaj says Koro Island is not affected by the digital switch over as they waived installation fees for affected areas from September to November 2021.
The CEO says households requiring Walesi technicians to attend the installation would need to pay a fee. Meanwhile, Samuela Moce who hails from the village of Nacamaki, Koro, Lomaiviti says people need to get a Walesi set-top box.
Moce says some villagers have been updated and educated from TV programs while using Walesi. He says for those that do not have access to TV are just going back in time.
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