Icasa, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa, has ordered the Chinese pay-TV operator StarTimes to cease its StarSat platform operations in the country. The authority explained that the subscription broadcasting license issued to StarSat’s parent company, On Digital Media (ODM), expired on 8th July 2023, and ODM failed to submit a renewal application within the required timeframe.
Despite several reminders, ODM submitted its renewal application after the expiry date, prompting Icasa to invoke a provision of the law that requires the licensee to wind up its affairs and inform subscribers about the cessation of services. Icasa set a deadline for ODM to cease providing broadcasting services by 18th September 2024.
In response to the regulator’s decision, On Digital Media CEO Debbie Wu stated that the company is working with Icasa to address the regulatory and legal issues surrounding its licensing and reassured the public that StarSat will not be closing its operations in the near future.
The pay-TV operator, originally launched as Top TV in May 2010, has faced financial challenges and underwent business rescue before being rebranded as StarSat in October 2013. Despite the difficulties, the company has struggled to maintain its subscriber numbers and faced legal issues, including a fine from the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa for broadcasting adult entertainment channels against a court order.
The ongoing developments between Icasa and StarSat reflect the challenges in the South African broadcasting industry and its impact on the competition and regulatory landscape.
