Sun, TataSky fail to resolve differences

Differences on pricing of channels persisted between south India-based broadcaster Sun Group and DTH operator TataSky, which feels that rates quoted by Sun were fit for international channels but not regional.

The two parties failed to resolve the dispute through talks as suggested by broadcast tribunal Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal on November 21.

"Sun is not a channel like Star World, having universal appeal... Sun has dialect loyalty and would have limited appeal only," TataSky's counsel Ramji Srinivasan said during proceedings on Wednesday. Sun Group submitted that it has three divisions -- Sun Limited, Gemini and Udaya -- with 14 channels in all on a-la carte basis at a price of Rs 85 per month.

To this, TataSky's counsel said, "Sun's 14 channels consist of Kannada, Telgu and Tamil channels. How can a subscriber of Karnataka be forced to view a Tamil channel?"

This, he said, went against the spirit of DTH platform that provides liberty to consumers to pick a channel of their choice.

TataSky raised objection on the price demanded by Sun group for its free-to-air channels in the name of intellectual property rights. Sun has demanded Rs 12 per channel and around Rs 6.25 for free-to-air channels.

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