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Rediff.com  » Business » 1 month breathing space for Trai order

1 month breathing space for Trai order

By Urvi Malvania
December 29, 2018 08:12 IST
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All distribution platforms can move their subscribers to the new framework by February 1.
Urvi Malvania reports.

Illustration: Uttam Ghosh/Rediff.com

The broadcasting industry has been granted some breathing space to implement the new Telecom Regulatory Authority of India tariff order.

Trai, the regulator, had, earlier this week, indicated it would release a migration plan to ensure smooth implementation of the new tariff regime.

In order to help the service providers migrate their subscribers to the new framework without causing any inconvenience, Trai has issued a schedule of activities.

All existing packs/plans/bouquets to the subscribers are to be continued uninterrupted till January 31.

Also, no service provider will be required to disconnect any signal/feed to any multisystem-operator/local cable operator or subscriber on that date.

Distribution platforms have been asked to devise their own mechanisms to reach out to all the subscribers, and seek their options.

Lastly, all distribution platforms are required to move all their subscribers to the new framework by February 1.

 

The new tariff order, as mandated by Trai, comes into effect on December 29, which makes it compulsory for all broadcasters and distributors to make every channel available on an a la carte basis.

While channels may be bundled at the broadcaster or cable/DTH-level, the choice will ultimately lie with the consumer.

The regulation mandates price parity in rates between DTH and cable platforms, and also makes it compulsory for broadcasters to declare the maximum retail price of their channels.

Meanwhile, the Madras high court refused to issue an interim stay against the TRAI new broadcasting tariff order, in a petition filed by local cable TV operators.

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Urvi Malvania Mumbai
 

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