ZEEL notifies new RIO in accordance with NTO 2.0 rules

Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL) on Saturday published its new Reference Interconnect Offer (RIO) that will be effective from December 1st 2021. Similar to Sony and Star, ZEEL has also priced its popular channels above Rs 12. 

The broadcaster has priced both standard definition and high definition channels up to Rs 25 (18% GST additional). “We are confident that post-implementation of NTO 2.0, ZEE channels will continue their growth momentum across markets and create higher value for the company,” said Rahul Johri, President – Business, South Asia, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd.

According to the RIO, 9 of 45 ZEEL’s standard definition channels including Hindi GEC Zee TV, Marathi GEC Zee Marathi, Bengali GEC Zee Bangla, Odia GEC Zee Sarthak, Telugu GEC Zee Telugu, Kannada GEC Zee Kannada are priced more than Rs 12.

While 7 of 20 high-definition channels from ZEEL including Zee TV HD, Zee Marathi HD, Zee Bangla HD, Zee Tamil HD, Zee Telugu HD, Zee Cinemalu HD, and Zee Kannada HD are going to cost greater than Rs 12. 

According to Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) tariff order amendment 2020 or NTO 2.0, channels price must not be more than Rs 12 for being included in any bouquet. Hence, the aforementioned 16 driver channels will not be part of any of Zeel’s 26 bouquets and viewers must subscribe then only on a la carte basis.

Atul Das, Chief Revenue Officer – Affiliate Sales said, “With NTO 2.0, consumers will get even more flexibility in selection of channels. We will continue to provide multiple bouquets to consumers across the country at different price points. Premium English channels like Zee Café and &flix will continue to be available in a separate bouquet.”