INDONESIA: 695 pay-TV providers operate without permits

Broadcasting authority to set deadline for them to obtain required broadcasting licenses

The Jakarta Post
Sunday, May 24, 2009

A mix of weak law enforcement and a growing appetite for quality television shows has given birth to the mushrooming of pay-TV service providers in the country, approximately 695 of which operate without licenses.

A study by the broadcasting authority shows that the pay-TV providers are owned by 700 business entities serving some 1.4 million customers nationwide.

Most of the illegal pay-TV services operate outside Java with monthly service rates varying from as little as Rp 25,000 (US$2.40) to Rp 55,000.

A spokesperson from the Communication and Information Technology department, Gatot S. Dewa Broto, told reporters Sunday that the broadcasting authority would spare the providers by setting a deadline for procedural applications.

Gatot said the department would disseminate information to the pay-TV providers starting next month on how to obtain the necessary broadcasting licenses before taking harsher steps.

Date Posted: 5/24/2009