Dubai: The UAE's largest telecommunications provider has switched channels showing the World Cup to a different frequency after transmission problems affected coverage of the tournament's opening games.
Etisalat said the move followed advice from Al Jazeera Sports, which has secured exclusive rights to broadcast the tournament across the Arab world.
Al Jazeera Sports said their feed of the opening match between South Africa and Mexico was "sabotaged" and vowed to go after whoever caused the "terrible act". The match between Argentina and Nigeria on Saturday afternoon was also marred by technical problems.
A spokesperson for etisalat said: "Etisalat has now switched its World Cup channels to the frequency that does not face the disturbances, as has been advised by our partner — Al Jazeera Network.
"The disruption of the World Cup broadcast was not a failure on the part of the regional service provider and Al Jazeera's statement to the media cites the reason for the glitches. In fact, etisalat's high definition [HD] TV service customers did not face any disturbances at all.
"Customers who have subscribed to etisalat's eLife triple play for Dh399 avail of internet, fixed line and TV services as part of the package. In addition, as part of the World Cup promotion, they also get the World Cup in HD and 3D for free. There are no hidden charges for availing this service once they subscribe to any triple play package."
An official from the UAE Ministry of Economy's Consumer Protection Department on Monday advised people experiencing problems with Al Jazeera Sports to call 6005 22 225.
Al Jazeera Sport previously advised customers experiencing reception problems to re-tune their set top boxes to the following frequencies: Arabsat at 12,341 horizontal, 11,881 horizontal, 12,398 vertical, 11,585 vertical and Nilesat at 11,240 vertical, 11,488 horizontal.
At the weekend, Nasser Al Khalifi, the chairman of Al Jazeera Sports, said: "We do not know yet who is behind the interference, but we will go after whoever has caused this terrible act that has deprived millions in the Arab world from watching the start of the World Cup.
— With inputs from Himendra Mohan Kumar, Staff Reporter
Viewing cards: Increased prices
The Consumer protection department at the Ministry of Economy on Monday discussed with representatives of Al Jazeera Sport the issue of rising price of viewing cards for FIFA World Cup 2010.
Al Jazeera Sport represent-atives confirmed to Dr Hashem Al Nuaimi, Director of Consumer Protection Department at the Ministry, who headed the meeting, that the viewing cards are priced from Dh300 to Dh600 for individuals and Dh3,000 to Dh5,000 for commercial use.
At the meeting, Al Nuaimi asked Al Jazeera to re-affirm the price of the viewing cards by publishing ads in the UAEs local newspapers and thus inform consumers the accurate price to avoid any price escalation attempts by some distributors.
Al Nuaimi urged consumers to keep the bill of viewing card purchase and report attempts to hike the price.
— Staff Report
Information
UAE Ministry of Economy's Consumer Protection Department on Monday advised people facing problems with Al Jazeera Sports to call 6005 22 225.
