The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI,) today, gave a deadline of 31st January, 2019 to the consumers to choose the TV channels they wish to watch and pay only for those channels.
S.K. Gupta, Secretary, TRAI, said, “We had a meeting of broadcasters, DTH Operators and MSOs (multi-system operators) today (Thursday). Everyone confirmed their readiness to implement new regulations. However, they requested that some more time may be given to seek options from subscribers for smooth and interruption free migrations.”
According to the new rule, the Distribution Platform Operators (DPOs) are directed to find out the choices of their customers by the 31st of January. Later, the consumers will be migrated to their desirable channels.
It was earlier said, the existing services of channels will be ceased from the 29th of December, 2018.
Refuting these reports, the TRAI issued a statement, “The Authority is seized of the matter and hereby advises that all Broadcasters/DPOs (distribution platform operators)/LCOs (local cable operators), will ensure that any channel that a consumer is watching today is not discontinued on December 29.”
Speaking about the new regulatory framework, R. S. Sharma, Chairman, TRAI, said, the regulation is an attempt for the provision of smooth and transparent services at an affordable price to the consumers.
In a press release, the TRAI stated, “Subsequently, the Authority also held meetings on 19th December 2018 and 27th December 2018 with various service providers of the broadcasting and cable services sector. The preparedness for migration of all subscribers from old to new framework was also assessed. The issue of smooth migration from the old to new regulatory framework was specifically discussed and deliberated upon. It emerged from the discussions that by and large, most of the stakeholders are ready for implementation of new regulatory framework.”
According to the new framework, the consumers will get 100 channels, including 24 mandatory Prasar Bharti channels, at a minimum cost of Rs. 130 per month. At an additional charge of Rs. 20, the consumers can view 25 additional Standard Definition (SD) channels. The framework will come into effect from the 1st of February, 2019.
