With the Calcutta High Court deciding to vacate the stay on the new broadcast regulatory framework, all decks have been cleared for the implementation of the new MRP-based broadcast tariff order from Friday.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India on Thursday said that it has directed multi-system operators (MSOs) and direct-to-home (DTH) players to formulate a smooth transition plan for subscribers who are yet to give their preference in accordance with the new tariff order, without putting them to any disadvantage.

When contacted, SK Gupta, Secretary, TRAI, told BusinessLine , “We have held a meeting with all broadcasters, MSOs and DTH operators today. Everyone has expressed their readiness to implement the new regulatory framework from February 1. Accordingly, all subscribers, who have exercised their options, will be migrated to the new plans in 4-6 days.”

He said as far as DTH operators are concerned, most of their subscribers are pre-paid subscribers. “Pre-paid subscribers, who may not have exercised their options, are protected till their existing subscription plans lapse as they have already paid in advance,” he added.

Gupta said both DTH and MSOs have assured that they will continue to seek options from subscribers in accordance with the new broadcast regulatory framework on a priority basis. “The subscribers will not be subjected to any inconvenience.”

Meanwhile, in a statement, TRAI said, “There are subscribers who are yet to exercise their options. To safeguard their interests, the authority has directed the DPOs (distribution platform operators) to formulate transition plans for smooth migration without putting the subscribers to any disadvantage. The DPOs must continue to make all efforts to obtain consumer choice through various modes.”

Sources said consumers are unlikely to face a black-out and will continue to see channels as per their previous subscription plans at least till February 10. Post that also if consumers do not exercise their option, they will continue to get free-to-air channels and some pay channels depending on the agreement between broadcasters and the DPOs, sources added.

According to industry estimates, about 75 per cent of the cable TV subscribers and 30 per cent of DTH subscribers have already given their preferences for new subscription plans.

On additional connection

In its statement, the regulator also said that it has received requests for clarification with regard to second or additional TV connection of a subscriber.

“The Authority clarifies that the regulations provide for a capping (maximum limit) of ₹130 as the Network Capacity fee for 100 SD channels with slabs of additional 25 channels in capping @ ₹20. The distributor can devise their own plans/tariff within these caps and the regulations do not prohibit offering of discounts or lower network capacity fee for second/additional connections,” it added.

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