The first batch of refunds, amounting to Lm125,000, and including satellite dish owners who have paid a Lm25 licence fee, will begin being paid next week.

With regard to licences which expired before 1 May, and for which satellite dish owners are to be granted pro rata refunds totalling Lm180,000, the amounts due are currently being calculated and refunds will also be paid soon.

Competitiveness and Communi-cations Minister Censu Galea said that the government is refunding nearly Lm300,000 to satellite dish owners – an amount which would normally have been retained in its coffers.

This demonstrates government’s commitment to ensuring that, through its decisions, consumers’ interests are safeguarded.