Ecuador: TV and Radio concession prices to rise

Ecuador’s government has announced that new tariffs will be introduced for TV, Radio and Cable operators. The new tariffs will be increased, in line with the formula used for private mobile telephone costs.

Current rates, which were fixed by CONARTEL in 2008, were a response to a deep-seated corruption within the industry, where annual fees for broadcasters could be as low as a few cents.

The renewal process, to be completed within 3 years, would justify a new and drastic rise in prices by pointing out the enormous profits earned by private broadcasters. The 2008 constitution demands that at least 33% of the available spectrum is to be assigned to private operators.

The announcement represents a new point of conflict between Ecuador’s president, Rafael Correa and the press, who have engaged in mutual hostilities since the beginning of his term. Journalist associations and industry groups have yet to comment on the announcement.

Full content: Ecuador Inmediato

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