Stereo + Ltd was given a warning and was also imposed a sanction in the amount of 5 000 GEL at the session held at the Georgian National Communications Commission (GNCC).  

According to the information distributed through mass media on June 4, 2012 the Georgian National Communications Commission found out that 9th Channel Ltd began broadcasting on metric frequency in Tbilisi and the population of the capital could receive the channel via television antenna. The Commission conducted monitoring to study the matter.

The monitoring established that Stereo+ Ltd provided signal propagation of satellite broadcasting license holder company - 9th Channel Ltd via so-called “open link”. Stereo+ Ltd was carrying out this service within the scope of the radio frequency spectrum license NF13. It must be taken into account that frequency band assigned by the license NF13 according to the National Radio Frequency Allocation Plan is designed for mobile and/or fixed radio links service. Public distribution of this broadcasting signal via so-called “open link” using radio frequency spectrum is in opposition with the terms of the radio frequency spectrum license NF13. According to the Law of Georgia on Electronic Communications written warning is a first sanction for such type of violation.

The monitoring also established that Stereo+ Ltd was carrying out its activities without appropriate obligatory authorization and used a certain radio frequency spectrum without permit or license issued by the Commission, which is a violation of Article 1441 of the Code of Administrative Offences of Georgia and envisages fine - 5 000 GEL.

The Georgian National Communications Commission states definitely that the radio frequency spectrum license held by Stereo+ Ltd is designed for mobile and/or fixed radio links service and not for on-air broadcasting via frequency spectrum. In this case procedure of competition for obtaining a broadcasting license using frequency spectrum provided by the Law of Georgia on Broadcasting becomes senseless.

The Georgian National Communications Commission did not ban Stereo+ Ltd from using the license NF13. The Company was ordered to act within the terms of the license.