Fans rush to buy cheap antennas

Ras Al Khaimah: Electronics shops here are doing brisk business selling a cheap antenna which enables football fans to tune into an Iranian channel televising the World Cup.

With just Dh70 that's Dh40 for the antenna and Dh30 to install the gadget residents can enjoy the matches.

"I sell at least 50 antennas on a daily basis," said Mohammad Akbar, who works for an electronics shop in the emirate. He expects the sales to increase in the coming days. Akbar said many shops have been ordering more antennas from the Dubai-based distributors.

Technicians, on the other hand, are hard pressed for time, busy fixing the antennas day and night.

People have been anxiously searching for a channel which telecast the tournament for free, said Rami Al Shari, a Palestinian resident.

Najeeb Al Shamsi, Director General of the Ras Al Khaimah Economic Department, said installing the antennas are legal.

These antennas are used to tune into local channels. Many people who do not prefer satellite dishes install them in their houses, he said.