More than a month after television broadcaster TV3 severed its digital connection, the company has announced that they are back on the platform.

TV3 Chief Executive Officer Michael Aisea confirmed that they are once again broadcasting on the digital platform. This means that the station can now be viewed on the Samoa Digital Company's platform offering nine different channels.

“I can confirm that we will now be using channel eight as NUSTV has been assigned to the channel we previously held,” he said.

“This is good news for those who had been wanting us to return. It will be good for the nation as well because we have secured a number of international rugby tests including Manu Samoa’s July test against Italy and Spain.

“We will also be broadcasting the Pacific Nations Cup. This is good news all around.”

Mr. Aisea said they would continue their online broadcasting for those who prefer to be able to access their service through their electronic devices.

TV3 cut ties with the Digital TV platform because it could not afford the connection fee and has opted to have its content live-streamed.

Mr. Aisea had said the company could not afford the $23,000 monthly fee or $276,000 annually to keep its connection on the digital platform.

TV3 had turned online to continue its operation.  Its 18 staff comprising hosts, technicians, programming and sales and marketing remained on the payroll.

TV3 has been regarded as one of the leading broadcasters in the country. The station promoted local sports through live broadcasts and reruns on the weekend.

While it has not been confirmed, it is believed that a new deal was struck with Samoa Digital Company for the return.

Samoa Digital has always maintained that the monthly fee they charge is necessary for the operation of the platform as it requires electricity and manpower to keep its towers on.

There are nine television channels currently hooked to the digital platform. It is a mixture of commercial television stations and church-based ones. EFKS TV operated by the biggest church denomination in the country broadcasts on channel two. They have elevated themselves to being a commercial channel.

National University of Samoa also has a channel and of late there has been development to broadcast more local content.