StarTimes says it’s well positioned to execute Ghana Digital Migration project
StarTimes has positioned itself as a reputable company appointed by government to install and commission the country’s Digital Migration (DTT) project.
The company bid for the contract in June 2011 and signed the contract with Ministry of Communication (MoC) on April 11, 2012.
StarTimes, has vast experience in Digital Migration (DTV) projects across countries like Rwanda, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania and China.
A statement issued by Nelson Boateng, Acting General Manager of the company in Accra on Friday, said it still holds the contract for the project and therefore takes exception to media reports that the award has been given to another company.
It said since signing the contract StartTimes has assisted government to access the Chinese concessionary loan facility of $ 95, 998, 530 to finance the project.
The statement said StarTimes requested for, and received a no objection letter from the MoC to ensure a timely delivery of the project on September 12, 2012, to commence the pre-financing of the project valued at $17,000, 000.
It said since the inception of the project, and based on numerous written assurances from the MoC, StarTimes has gone to great lengths and expense to ensure that it honours its obligations.
“StarTimes not only still holds a valid contract for this project but also holds the newly signed government concessionary loan agreement of April, 2015 between the governments of Ghana and China,” the statement said.
It said StarTimes therefore takes grievous view of media reports on June 8, inter alia that: “Ghana has set March, 2016, as the new date for the migration from analogue to digital broadcasting.”
The statement said the reports implied that StarTimes was not able to meet the June 17, global target for migration from analogue to digital broadcasting hence the decision to award the contract to K-Net Limited, at the value of $82 million.
“If these news reports attributed to the Deputy Minister of Communications, Mr Ato Sarpong are true, then it will be a serious breach of contract and our lawyers will respond appropriately,” the statement said.
StarTimes, an influential global media group is a system integrator, technology provider, network operator and a media group with the culture of innovation, integrity, thrift and diligence.
The company is listed among 2008 China top 100 Innovation- oriented enterprises and to be listed in the top 20 among the Forbes 200 best medium and small enterprises in China.
It possesses several patents of invention and software copyrights.
With the DTV era approaching, StarTimes has been focusing on research and development of total DTV operation solution, investment and operation in Radio and TV network and expansion of DTV value-added business and has made remarkable breakthrough.
Source: GNA