THE CABINET yesterday gave a tentative thumbs-up to the controversial agreement between CyTA (Cyprus Telecommunications Authority) and LTV.
State-controlled CyTA aims to enter the digital television market through a seemingly exclusive, 15-year collaboration with subscriber channel LTV. Critics say the public utilities corporation, which controls almost the entire telecom infrastructure, should not be allowed direct access to television content, and in a way that excludes other players.
Allegations that the deal violates anti-trust laws are currently being investigated by the Competition Commission (CC).
But yesterday the Cabinet implicitly lent CyTA its support.
“The agreement does not contradict or contravene the government’s broader policy [on telecommunications],” Under-Secretary to the President Christodoulos Pashardis told the media after the meeting of the top body.
But he qualified this, adding:
“It goes without saying that the agreement in question should not clash with the existing legislation… concerning the Telecommunications Regulator and the Competition Commission.”
In response to a question, Pashardis said that the Cabinet did not examine the contentious contract “word for word”.
“But the Cabinet has no reason to oppose the agreement,” he said.
The Telecommunications Regulator is said to have less reservations about the deal than does the local competition watchdog, which knows Brussels is closely watching its probe
The possibility of fines or infringement proceedings against Cyprus by the EU largely hinges on the CC’s verdict.
Today, politicians from all parties will have another chance at airing their positions on the matter during the House plenum. Two hours have been set aside for the debate.
Coalition partners DIKO and AKEL are in favour, while opposition DISY has sided with private telecom providers and over-the-air television networks, wary that CyTA’s arrangement with LTV will create a super monopoly.
Why all these delays?? I want LTV on my mivision now! Before the championship is over!!
