MIB relaxes TRAI regulation to allow Sony Pal, Zee Anmol, Star Utsav, and Colors Rishtey become FTA for 2 months

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) on Monday relaxed TRAI regulations which require broadcasters to notify a change in a-la-carte price and directed distribution platform operators in India to make these channels Free to Air.

The Ministry noted that the regulations of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) require broadcasters to give 30 days prior notice to TRAI incase broadcasters want to change the a-la-carte or convert any channels to free-to-air (FTA). Broadcasters then need to notify the DPOs and the prices of relevant bouquets have to reset as FTA and pay channels cannot form part of the same bouquet.

Taking note of the matter and the representation received from the Indian Broadcasters Foundation (IBF), the Ministry has relaxed the regulations which require consultation with TRAI in the larger public interest.

The Ministry’s note has been sent to all Multi-System Operator, Cable Operators, HITS operators, and DTH operators. None of the DPOs had made the four channels FTA to its viewers given the complexity of the situation.

The Indian Broadcasters Foundation (IBF) had earlier announced the move to make Star Utsav, Zee Anmol, Colors Rishtey, and Sony Pal Free to Air (FTA) for a period of 2 months to the viewers who have to remain indoors to break the chain of transmission of COVID-19 in the country.