- Joined
- 16 May 2011
- Messages
- 21,066
- Reaction score
- 30,271
LUCKNOW: There is a common complaint that despite the October 1 deadline to subscribe for TV channel packages, set-top box companies have not even distributed the package activation forms (PAF) yet. With just about a month left, the companies have realized now that PAF or 'choice forms' need to be filled by about 3.5 lakh cable subscribers in the city.
People complained that the new DAS (digital addressable system) has been launched without even ensuring that the support infrastructure is in place. Earlier, there were shortage of boxes across 38 cities and then there were complaints about customers being harassed by cable operators who demanded excess money in the wake of poor supply.
The companies did not inform about any channel rate and also did not have proper customer-service centres in place to address consumers' grievances. Ambika Prasad Ojha, president of the Cable Service Consumer Protection Committee, said, "Rule 13 of Cable Television Networks Rules 1994 makes it mandatory for an MSO to announce it's a-la-carte menu along with rates for all channels one month before the system is implemented. It states that companies should start a public awareness campaign well in advance. They need to give all information to public about its monthly packages, period of payment, warranty and replacement guidelines before one month of the deadline but nothing has been done in this regard."
Incidentally, the largest set-top box provider in city with over 90% market share, the Den Network has prepared it's a-la-carte menu a week back. It has yet to introduce it to the public. The rate card offers four types of packages ranging between Rs 199-299 as monthly rent. Residents crib if companies had announced rate-cards earlier, they would have made a more informed choice between DTH and cable operators by comparing their respective rates.
It is found that cable packages are only a bit less expensive than DTH packages which cost about Rs 160-500 per month.
A company spokesperson defends saying, "We are still the more popular option among masses primarily because of the cost factor and secondly, our operators are available within 24 hours of complaint whereas staff of a DTH provider turns up after 3-4 days. We are better in terms of faster service." He also mentioned that in case of DTH, a consumer is bound to pay on time, else he stops receiving transmission. But cable operators generally give consumers a grace period of a few days to make the payment unlike DTH."
The first or basic package, approved by the ministry of information and broadcasting will have 51 channels comprising mostly Doordarshan and free-to-air channels. The ministry has approved three other packages including 'Intro' with 105 paid channels at a rate of Rs 199 per month, 'Family' Pack with 152 paid channels at Rs 260 and 'Platinum' pack constituting 160 channels at Rs 299 per month. The two sports add-on channels are already included in Family and Platinum packs. But, if one wishes to watch them in 'Intro' pack, he has to pay additional Rs 30 per month. Den is also offering additional 51 free-to-air channels under all packages.
Sanjeev Dixit, JV partner in DEN Enjoy, says, "We are also giving an option to the customers to pick and choose from the bouquet of channels and create their own package. Each channel has its own monthly rent, hence people can decide their a-la-carte of favourite channels and pay accordingly."
Meanwhile, set-top box companies are persuading the ministry and entertainment tax department of UP to extend the deadline by about 2-3 months so that the package forms are evenly distributed and filled by consumers.
Cable subscribers must fill 'choice forms' - The Times of India
..
People complained that the new DAS (digital addressable system) has been launched without even ensuring that the support infrastructure is in place. Earlier, there were shortage of boxes across 38 cities and then there were complaints about customers being harassed by cable operators who demanded excess money in the wake of poor supply.
The companies did not inform about any channel rate and also did not have proper customer-service centres in place to address consumers' grievances. Ambika Prasad Ojha, president of the Cable Service Consumer Protection Committee, said, "Rule 13 of Cable Television Networks Rules 1994 makes it mandatory for an MSO to announce it's a-la-carte menu along with rates for all channels one month before the system is implemented. It states that companies should start a public awareness campaign well in advance. They need to give all information to public about its monthly packages, period of payment, warranty and replacement guidelines before one month of the deadline but nothing has been done in this regard."
Incidentally, the largest set-top box provider in city with over 90% market share, the Den Network has prepared it's a-la-carte menu a week back. It has yet to introduce it to the public. The rate card offers four types of packages ranging between Rs 199-299 as monthly rent. Residents crib if companies had announced rate-cards earlier, they would have made a more informed choice between DTH and cable operators by comparing their respective rates.
It is found that cable packages are only a bit less expensive than DTH packages which cost about Rs 160-500 per month.
A company spokesperson defends saying, "We are still the more popular option among masses primarily because of the cost factor and secondly, our operators are available within 24 hours of complaint whereas staff of a DTH provider turns up after 3-4 days. We are better in terms of faster service." He also mentioned that in case of DTH, a consumer is bound to pay on time, else he stops receiving transmission. But cable operators generally give consumers a grace period of a few days to make the payment unlike DTH."
The first or basic package, approved by the ministry of information and broadcasting will have 51 channels comprising mostly Doordarshan and free-to-air channels. The ministry has approved three other packages including 'Intro' with 105 paid channels at a rate of Rs 199 per month, 'Family' Pack with 152 paid channels at Rs 260 and 'Platinum' pack constituting 160 channels at Rs 299 per month. The two sports add-on channels are already included in Family and Platinum packs. But, if one wishes to watch them in 'Intro' pack, he has to pay additional Rs 30 per month. Den is also offering additional 51 free-to-air channels under all packages.
Sanjeev Dixit, JV partner in DEN Enjoy, says, "We are also giving an option to the customers to pick and choose from the bouquet of channels and create their own package. Each channel has its own monthly rent, hence people can decide their a-la-carte of favourite channels and pay accordingly."
Meanwhile, set-top box companies are persuading the ministry and entertainment tax department of UP to extend the deadline by about 2-3 months so that the package forms are evenly distributed and filled by consumers.
Cable subscribers must fill 'choice forms' - The Times of India
..
