Winners of terrestrial frequency bid announced

The names of the four radio stations and three TV stations which won the terrestrial frequency bids have been announced today.

The four radio frequencies which were opened for bidding last March by Maldives Broadcasting Commission (MBC) were won by Island Broadcasting Private Limited with 819.70 points, Picture Land FM Private Limited 659.43 points, Asna Maldives Private Limited with 336.93 points, and Faraway Holidays Private Limited with 239.55 points.

TV frequencies were won by Picture Land FM Private Limited (Sun TV) with 717.52 points, Island Broadcasting Maldives (VTV) with 611.05 points, and Broadcasting Maldives (DhiTV) with 546.27 points.

MBC said that nine proposals were received for the TV and radio frequencies, and that licences will be issued to the winners soon.

MBC Vice President Mohamed Shaheeb said that the bids were evaluated by a committee comprised of two MBC members and five other members.

Businessmen and media broadcast experts were given priority when choosing members for the committee.

Winners of the frequencies can provide TV and radio services terrestrially and via satellite. The only terrestrial service providers in Maldives currently are TVM and VOM.