Multiple Multi-System Operators (MSOs) across the country have notified their new network capacity fee (NCF) in line with NTO 2.0 while few continue to desist from the same. GTPL Hathway, Fastway, DEN Networks, Hathway, KCCL, VK Digital among others which had earlier stayed away from notifying reduce NCF due to pending legal challenges have now come out with their revised network capacity fees.
GTPL Hathway, DEN Networks, Hathway, KCCL, and Fastway have declared their network capacity fee at Rs 130 for the first 200 SD channels excluding tax whereas for more than 200 channels the network capacity fee is Rs 160 excluding taxes.
TACTV which has from 2019 continued to offer discounted NCF at Rs 120 has retained the NCF pricing with the same NCF for selection of ‘n’ number of channels on its platform. The multi TV NCF has also been capped by the respective platforms at 40% of the parent STB.
Few of the NCF PDFs from KCCL and RIL linked MSOs however state, “The declaration of Network Capacity Fee (NCF) is without prejudice to the rights and contentions of GTPL Hathway Limited (“GTPL”) and subject to the final adjudication of Writ Petition (Civil) 2879 of 2020; filed before the Hon’ble High Court of Kerala at Ernakulum).”
While few MSOs had back in March notified revised NCF, on the ground they didn’t implement it. DTH operators have been the lone party who have implemented TRAI’s NTO 2.0 amendments in true spirit since March 1st.
Few MSOs however are yet to publish their revised NCF on their websites. SCV is among one of them who are yet to notify their NCF in line with NTO 2.0. An SCV user told DreamDTH that SCV was yet to implement NTO 2.0 with top officials stating that NTO 2.0 was not yet for MSOs and only introduced for DTH operators by TRAI. SCV continues to charge the old style full amount for the second connection. As and when the true implementation of NTO 2.0 happens will be known after the Bombay High Court gives its judgment in the matter on 24th August.
