Leading Multi- System Operators have said that digital TV subscribers will start getting monthly bills through their cable operators as per the broadcast and telecom regulator's direction.
After the first and second phase of digitisation, MSOs were asked to collect consumer application forms from subscribers and submit them to TRAI. Through these forms the consumer can indicate the channels and packages they want to watch.
While collection of these forms is still on, MSO Alliance said that beginning December 2013, subscribers will now get a bill for their cable TV every month starting with that of November 2013. There are over 19 million subscribers across 41 cities that are covered under Phase 1 and Phase 2 of digitisation.
S.N. Sharma, Secretary, MSO Alliance and CEO, DEN Networks, said: “This move is important as it will ensure that there are no additional or random charges levied on the subscribers. Our viewers will thus pay only for what they watch and they must insist on a bill from their local cable operator or multiple system operator at the time of monthly payment.”
As per TRAI's regulations, subscribers will get a time period of 15 days from the date of the bill to make their payment. In case the subscriber fails to make the payment after the expiry of the due date of payment, the MSO or the affiliate LCO (local cable operator) has the right to charge interest on the outstanding amount.
MSO Alliance is the national body of MSOs and comprises of major digital TV platforms of the country including DEN Networks, Hathway, SITI Digital Cable Television and INCABLENET.
It is also running an ad campaign to create awareness about billing among subscribers.