DTH updates TRAI Press Releases on the Implementation of New Regulatory Framework (Jan 8 & 10, 2019)

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Sivabhaskar

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TRAI has released two Press Releases (available as PDF documents on the TRAI website), one dated January 8, 2019 and the other dated January 10, 2019 -- both related to the implementation of the New Regulatory Framework for Broadcasting and Cable Services.

The one from Jan 8 clarifies about the rumors surrounding the implementation of the New Regulatory Framework and confirms that the framework has already come into effect from Dec 29, 2018, and that consumers need not be confused on whether or not it is going to be implemented.

The one from Jan 10 is about channel choices that the consumers have post implementation of the new framework. It explains:
  1. That both FTA and pay channels are not only available as Pay Channel Specifc Bouquets, but that all channels are also available as a-la-carte. And that DTH operators can choose to provide discount on these a-la-carte prices, which will be displayed on the EPG of each channel.
  2. It also explains that consumers are free to choose the 100 SD channels for Rs.130, in any combination they wish. It can be a combination of a-la-carte FTA channels or Pay Channels or Pay Channel Bouquets or any other combination.
Excerpts from the two documents:

Jan 8 Press Release:
" Now it has been brought to the notice of the Authority that certain rumours/messages are being floated that the implementation of the new framework has been postponed or stopped or is being modified. The Authority clarifies that the new framework has come into effect on 29 th December 2018. The schedule of activities has been duly communicated to all the service providers for reaching out to the consumers and obtaining choices. TRAI is conducting review meetings regularly to monitor the progress. All the service providers are again advised to strictly observe the timelines as provided in the migration plan dated 28 th December 2018. "

Jan 10 Press Release:
" 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. The maximum retail price (MRP) of a channel on a-la-carte can be viewed in the Electronic Programe 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. "

" Every DPO has been requested to run Consumer Information channel preferably on channel No. 999 wherein consumer related information including the prices of channels on a-la-carte and bouquets are made available. "

" Consumer has complete freedom to choose their desired 100 Standard Definition (SD) channels within the network capacity fee of maximum Rs.130/- . The desired channels could be in A-Ia-carte Free to Air channels or Pay channels or bouquet of pay channels or any combination thereof. The choice completely rests with the consumers. "

" Subscribers are requested to exercise their options well before 31 st January 2019 to continue to view their favourite channels. Subscribers are also advised not to wait for the last minute to avoid any inconvenience. "

Links to the two Press Releases:

Jan 8 --> Press Release on Implementation of New Regulatory Framework for Broadcasting & Cable Services

Jan 10 --> Press Release on Consumer choices in the New Regulatory Framework for Broadcasting and Cable Services
 
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