Independent cable TV operators, meanwhile, have accused the two groups of having taken action that violated the Fair Trade Law. Shih denied that the FTC had failed to take any action, but admitted the existence of political intervention in the FTC's investigations. Eastern and United were among those fined, Shih said. To underscore his point, Shih mentioned how the Cabinet-level Committee of Administration Appeal overturned the FTC's decision to punish Eastern for engaging in illegal practices two years ago. But Shih said he still believed that one of the best solutions for curing the ills in Taiwan's cable TV operations is to severely punish the wrongdoings that have distorted market transactions.
Critics say the remedy is to redesign the legal framework to increase competition in the market.
Chuang said the government should consider amending the law to allow more competitors to enter the cable TV market. This story has been viewed 543 times. The Taipei Times. All rights reserved.