SINGTEL's application for a stay on Media Development Authority (MDA) ruling that requires the telco to share broadcast rights to the Barclays Premier League (BPL) with rival StarHub has been rejected by Minister of Communications and Information (MCI) Yaacob Ibrahim.

In a media statement today, MCI said its decision was made based on a number of factors, including an evaluation of the grounds for SingTel's appeal against MDA's ruling and its impact on SingTel and the public.

Meanwhile, MCI said SingTel is required to make the necessary arrangements to cross-carry the upcoming BPL season on StarHub's payTV services.

It also added that the Minister's decision not to grant a stay of MDA's ruling is not an indication of the outcome of SingTel's appeal made on May 8 this year.

While the appeal process is ongoing, MCI advised consumers who are undecided on their choice of pay-TV providers to hold their decision until the appeal outcome is finalised.