The new Cable TV rules will kick into force effective February 1st, and there is still much confusion and misinformation all around.
- The base pack can include 100 SD channels
- First 100 channels will cost Rs. 130 plus taxes
- The last date to migrate to the new system is January 31
Apart from Tata Sky, pretty much all cable and DTH operators, including the likes of DishTV, Airtel Digital TV, and Hathaway, have declared the channel prices and bouquet details and established mechanisms to make it easier for the consumers to migrate to the new system. The best place to check the new system is either the consumer information channel on channel no 999 or the company websites.
Telecom Regulatory Authority of India or TRAI has once again released a press note, clarifying two crucial questions, pertaining to the new Cable TV rules. msnTarGet.com
TRAI Clarifies New Cable TV Rules: Pay Rs 130, Watch 100 Pay Channels And FTA Channels
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| TRAI Clarifies New Cable TV Rules: Pay Rs 130, Watch 100 Pay Channels And FTA Channels |
TRAI: Pay Rs 130 And Watch 100 Pay and FTA Channels
The first most important clarification regarding the new Cable TV Regulation is that, Rs 130 plus GST is the minimum fees, which every cable or DTH consumer needs to pay.
With 18% GST, this amount comes to Rs 154, which is called ‘Network Connect Fees’, and has to be paid to the respective cable or DTH operator.
Now, after paying Rs 154 as Network Connect Fees, the consumer will be eligible to access 100 channels. MobAsk.com
These 100 channels can be FTA or Free to Air and/or Pay Channels.
In case the consumer wishes to watch more than 100 channels, then Rs 20 per 25 channels has to be paid. Once these 25 extra channels are allocated, then again, the user can choose FTA or Pay channels. soas.in
The consumer can view the MRP of these pay channels at channel 999 of their own cable network. Or, the MRP list can be downloaded here as well. Full list of FTA or Free to Air channels are available here.
TRAI has unleashed an SMS marketing campaign for the same, wherein a link has been shared which has more useful information. Fun2Ind.com
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has come out and clarified that consumers have the option to choose channels on a-la-carte basis for the base pack of 100 SD channels. According to the regulator, the consumers can either choose free-to-air channels, pay channels, bouquet of pay channels or any combination thereof for the base pack that will cost just Rs. 130 (Rs. 153.40 after taxes). TRAI came out with the latest order after the reports of confusion over which channels can be included in the base pack or whether the consumers can only choose the packs being offered by the DTH and cable operators. soas.in
Both Bundle and À la carte Options Available
In the press release, TRAI has said that most of the broadcasters and DTH operators are showcasing bundles packs and packages for the end-users: Packs for entertainment, movies, sports, etc are being shown, which has created an impression that only bundles packs are available.
Dismissing this concept, TRAI has stated that users can opt for both bundled package, and À la carte channels for their own needs. SoAs.in
TRAI said, “Now it has been noticed that several broadcasters are advertising their channels in the form of bouquets only. However customer may note that they have option to choose channels on a-la-carte also.”
TRAI has once again shared the platforms via which the information about channels and FTA can be accessed:
Personal contact by Local Cable Operator
- Calling on Call Centre Number
- Using Mobile: App or through DPO Website
“The maximum retail price (MRP) of a channel on a-la-carte can be viewed in the Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) or Menu of their TV screens. Distribution Platform Operator (DPO) such as cable operators, DTH operators may provide discount on the MRP displayed on the EPG,” the agency added. mobask.com
TRAI noted that the consumers should choose their desired channels or packs as per the new rules before the January 31 deadline to avoid the last-minute rush. After the deadline, any consumers who have not migrated to the new packages are likely to face interruption in the services.
Hopefully, this will clear the doubts. In case you have any doubt or question regarding the new Cable TV rules, please don’t hesitate to share them right here!
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