The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has asked Direct-to-Home service provider Tata Sky to submit a comprehensive status report regarding the implementation of the new broadcast regulatory framework after receiving complaints from consumers.
This comes at a time when a petition by the DTH service provider against the new broadcast tariff order is pending before the Delhi High Court.
All Distribution Platform Operators (DPOs) are required to adhere to TRAI’s migration plan to ensure smooth transition of subscribers to the new broadcast tariff order and submit daily and weekly status reports.
According to the migration plan, DPOs, which consist of all Multi-System Operators and Direct-to-Home operators, need to reach out to 100 per cent of their subscriber base by January 21 and collect information regarding consumer choices for their new subscription plans.
No provision in system
TRAI stated, in its letter to the DTH service provider, that it has received a large number of complaints from subscribers of Tata Sky that it has not made any provision in its system to obtain the choice of its subscribers as per the new regulatory framework.
“They (Tata Sky subscribers) have pointed out that the customer care centre of Tata Sky as well as the ticker running on Tata Sky Platform channels are misleading the subscribers, by informing that TRAI has extended the date of implementation of the new regulatory framework. This information is patently false and misleading,” the letter added.
“Further, it is also noticed that while most of the DPOs have been furnishing information to TRAI in the prescribed format on a regular basis, Tata Sky has not furnished even a single status report so far,” the regulator stated in its written communication.
TRAI had therefore asked the DTH service provider to submit a comprehensive status report on steps taken to comply with the migration plan timelines by Wednesday.
Hearing in court
Tata Sky declined to comment since the matter is subjudiced.
The Delhi High Court is next scheduled to hear the matter on January 23.
TRAI has given time till January 31 to TV subscribers to opt for their new subscription plans in line with the implementation of the MRP-based broadcast tariff order.
![comment](https://assetsbl.thehindubusinessline.com/theme/images/bl-online/1x1_spacer.png)
Comments
Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide by our community guidelines for posting your comments.
We have migrated to a new commenting platform. If you are already a registered user of TheHindu Businessline and logged in, you may continue to engage with our articles. If you do not have an account please register and login to post comments. Users can access their older comments by logging into their accounts on Vuukle.