Resorts complain of 'exorbitant' World Cup streaming cost
When Medianet attained the broadcasting rights for the World Cup, the company decided that the matches would be shown at the rate of USD 1 per room per match.
By
Aminath Shifleen
Complaints from resort employees have risen over non-streaming of some of the World Cup matches due to the high prices charged by MediaNet. Meanwhile, Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) has also lodged a complaint with the Broadcasting Corporation (BroadCom) over the price issue.
The broadcasting rights of the World Cup in the Maldives were bought by MediaNet. MediaNet has decided to air the World Cup on its own Ice Network channels, in addition to Raajje TV and PSM's Yes TV.
MediaNet had rolled out a special package to stream World Cup matches at resorts and hotels. Under the package, the price is charged at the rate of USD 1 per room per match, based on an average occupancy of 65-75%.
This is the high season of tourism in the Maldives:
-
If the occupancy is 75% in resorts with less than 100 rooms, they will have to pay $4,800 to pay the World Cup.
-
Since most of the resorts in the Maldives have more than 150 rooms and occupancy is at 65%, they will have to pay around USD 10,000 to watch the World Cup matches.
Many resorts complained about the price issue, but they nevertheless paid to watch the World Cup. However, a few resorts and some of the resorts that had applied for new MediaNet services refused to seek services citing high prices. As a result, the resorts don't host world cup matches.
According to some resort staff who spoke to Atoll Times, they had gone to nearby islands to watch the matches as the resorts were not streaming it. Some of the employees did not even consider their duty hours and went to watch the matches.
"The resort management first said they will stream the matches. Then at the last minute, they said they will not be able to provide the service," said a local employee who complained.
"When the whole world is joined together in watching the tournament, we don't want to be the ones obliterated. That's why some employees don't even look at duty schedules and go to the nearest island."
MATI files complaint with Broadcom
Resorts are availing MediaNet services as part of an agreement signed in advance.
-
As per the agreement, payments are made in advance every three months
-
They usually pay $20 for each room
When MediaNet attained the broadcasting rights for the World Cup, the company decided that the matches would be shown at the rate of $1 per room per match. Bringing up the matter with the BroadCom, MATI said that it was a violation of the agreement.
"It has been agreed that MediaNet will air specific channels. We have bought Raajje TV and Yes TV, which air the channels. But all of a sudden, how could they charge a separate price to watch a particular programme aired on a particular channel? Isn't it a breach of the agreement?," complained a person who spoke to Atoll Times, requesting anonymity.
"For example, you can't charge extra for a channel that has already been paid for just because it's going to air ‘Dhiriulhumaky Mi-eeba’ programme."
In connection with the case, MediaNet had earlier said that since World Cup matches were not part of BroadCom's 'listed events', they could be charged. Among the 'listed events' of the World Cup, Broadcom has chosen only the tournament opener and the final.
According to MATI:
-
'Listed events' are not related to MediaNet and resort deals
-
It is, when rebroadcast, what the state is required to grant in favour of the public
-
It will be between the state and the rebroadcasters
-
While individual programmes aired by MediaNet channels were not charged earlier, no more money should be charged now
Medianet says 90% of resorts avail services
Despite complaints about high cost of service, MediaNet said all resorts that had entered into an agreement with the company were using the service. According to their report, 90% of the resorts stream matches.
"The price issue is over now. The resorts agreed to the price fixed by us and paid the amount," said a MediaNet official.
"So, it's not a matter concerning us that other resorts don't show matches because of high prices."
According to some resorts who spoke to Atoll Times, MediaNet offered to stream the World Cup at a high price, but the price was accepted and the service was taken at the price as there was no other option.
"Either way, we have to look after our employees. So, we will show the matches no matter what the price," said an official from a resort where they had to pay a hefty fee to host the World Cup.
MediaNet first informed that the World Cup would not be shown publicly on big screens. However, the company later reversed the decision and said matches would be shown at public open events, not on a commercial basis.
