The Prime Minister has today stressed that there is nothing sinister in the introduction of the National Spectrum Decree to review the frequencies of all the communication providers including the radio and television stations in the country.
Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama said the government is not trying to attack media freedom or muzzle the Fiji media by bringing in the decree.
He said the fact is that Australia and New Zealand have also carried out these process years ago to rationalise the frequencies in their countries.
Commodore Bainimarama said despite this, misleading comments are being made by the ministers from NZ and Australia.
Commodore Bainimarama also questions where the Australian Foreign Minister, Stephen Smith is getting his information from.
He also asks what will be achieved by taking this matter to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
Under the new National Spectrum Decree gazetted on the 13th of this month, any allocation of radio frequency spectrum is now converted to a temporary allocation or use pending a determination by the minister which may or may not result in the issuance of new licenses to existing licensees or users.
It is also stated in the decree that no existing licensee or any other person or body shall be entitled to compensation or any other remedy in relation to the cancellation, reallocation or any other action or decision whatsoever taken by the Minister for Communications.
Nothing sinister in Spectrum Decree-PM
Related Stories
We are committed to holding elections – Siromi Turaga
Questions were raised during Dialogue Fiji’s Constitution review discussion on whether the government can delay the general elections and complete the Constitution review however Acting Attorney General Siromi Turaga
Fijian economy on track to grow for fourth consecutive year in 2025 by 3.4%
The Fijian economy is on track to grow for the fourth consecutive year in 2025 by 3.4 percent, following a 3.5 percent expansion in 2024. The growth forecast is revised up marginally from the 3.2 percent projected
Heavy Rain Alert for Eastern Viti Levu, Southern Bua, Cakaudrove, Taveuni and maritime areas
A heavy rain alert is now in force for the eastern half of Viti Levu (Navua–Suva–Nausori to Serua–Namosi to Tailevu–Naitasiri–Ra areas), southern Bua, Cakaudrove, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands, the Lau an
We need to dismantle criminal enterprises, hitting them where it hurts most - Speaker
Speaker of Parliament, Filimone Jitoko has highlighted during the opening of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Conference that there is a need for prosecutors in the country to master the digital frontie
Fiji has learned from its past and we know that restricting media engagement or access is not the answer - Tabuya
At all times, the public interest in accessing information and the media’s role in scrutinising government must outweigh any unilateral power to silence or sideline a news outlet. In Fiji, we uphold the principle that
Wailea resident raises concerns about drug issues raised countless times with Police while COMPOL says official complaint must be lodged
Wailea Settlement Community leader, Inoke Utona says he has raised the issue of drug use and dealing in their area countless times with the authorities but there has still been no response from Police. However when