Kenyans subscribed to the StarTimes platform can now access local television channels after their resumption on Friday evening.
Although it is unclear what convinced local broadcasters to grant transmission again, it is believed StarTimes must have conceded ground to their demands.
Earlier the broadcasters had complained that various pay TV platforms were charging for free to air (FTA) channels despite having accessed them for free.
Theregulator and lobby groups had also queried the end of transmission of free to air channels on various pay bouquets on failure to pay by customers whereas the local broadcasters were not benefitting from the pay.
To solve the problem various pay TV platforms have now introduced free to air decoders that will allow users to access channels with no monthly subscription.
The StarTimesfree to air decoder costs KSh5,000 (US$57), double that offered by its competitorGoTV which is retailing at KSh2,500 (US$29).
StarTimes has so far declined to comment when contacted HumanIPO regarding the return of services.
HumanIPO has learnt however that sales at StarTimes were at an all time low with many shunning the signal distributor due to its inability to provide a feed for local channels.
Buyers had also failed to pick up the FTA decoder on the same grounds, while the high cost was also prohibitive to many low earning Kenyans.
The development comes days after the government and the Consumer Federation of Kenya (COFEK) the agreement on the switch-off of analogue broadcastingbroke ranks with the latter threatening to proceed to court to stop the planned switch off accusing theICT Ministry of not consulting the lobby group as directed by the court.
It remains unclear as to when the migration will now take off in Nairobi with the earlier planned September 15, 2013, date now in doubt.
Meanwhile the awarding of athird signal distribution license that had earlier been set aside for local broadcasters still remains unclear despite earlier communication from the ICT minister assuring media owners of the license.
