The Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA) yesterday announced measures that will prevent pay-TV operators in the country from entering into exclusive deals with content suppliers.
It is believed to be the first country in the Asia-Pacific region to introduce such regulations.
The MDA said it was making revisions to its Media Market Conduct Code which will allow rival TV broadcasters to carry exclusive content by other pay-TV retailers.
The new rules which will mean no more exclusive deals in Singapore take effect immediately, but exclusive contracts entered into before yesterday will not be affected until they expire.
The MDAs Director of Development Policy, Michael Yap, said: The (Code) provides an updated framework that aims to better serve our consumers, provide wider opportunities for our industry, and encourage innovation, leading to a more vibrant media sector.
Presently, almost all content in the (Singapore) pay-TV market is acquired on an exclusive basis.
Consumers will no longer require multiple set top boxes or have to switch pay TV retailers just to enjoy exclusive content.
The MDA said it believed that the changes to the Code would address potential anti-competitive behaviour arising from convergence and provide more opportunities for players to enter the market. (Source: ABU)