![\"Yunus](\"http:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/Yunus-Carrim-3.png\")
<\/a>Yunus Carrim<\/p><\/div>\n
On Wednesday (19 March), MultiChoice issued out a press statement expressing its own disappointment..<\/p>\n
“Multichoice is extremely disappointed at the response to date by the Minister of Communications to attempts by our company, black-owned electronics companies and the community TV sector to raise public awareness about the negative impact of the Department of Communications digital migration policy on the poor.<\/p>\n
“We urge him to put the interests of consumers first,” the pay-tv operator said.<\/p>\n
It noted that over the past few days, the Minister accused Multichoice, NAMEC and the community TV sector of \u201cmisrepresenting\u201d the situation.<\/p>\n
“Nothing could be further from the truth,” it said.<\/p>\n
“MultiChoice, the SABC, the community television sector and the National Association of Manufacturers in Electronics Components (NAMEC) are all on record in support of the \u201cunencrypted\u201d set box option because of its multiple benefits to South African television viewers,” the group said.<\/p>\n
It said that the minister has “disregarded all our voices and attempted to deny anyone but himself the opportunity to speak for millions of South African television viewers”.<\/p>\n
The company accused Carrim of diverting attention by questioning the position that MultiChoice occupies as a significant contributor to the broadcasting industry, and the South African economy in general.<\/p>\n
“We have to ask: why? If South African consumers don\u2019t matter, who does?”<\/p>\n
“It is clear that, like everywhere else in the world, an unencrypted option is not only the best low-cost option in terms of initial outlay, but is cheaper in terms of ongoing costs to consumers,” MultiChoice said.<\/p>\n
“Tagging those who choose to differ from him as \u201cbullies\u201d does not contribute to a solution that is in the best interests of South African television consumers,” it said.<\/p>\n
MultiChoice said it remains open to “constructive engagement on this matter”, but accused the minister of being “ill advised”.<\/p>\n
“We, however, welcome the minister\u2019s comments that he remains open to dialogue,” it said.<\/p>\n
More on MultiChoice<\/h3>\n
We can\u2019t continue with MultiChoice monopoly: minister<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Minister lashes out at MultiChoice digital TV ad<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Digital TV in SA: no encryption needed, says Cabinet<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n