New rule: TRAI gives 1 month to pick channels

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has given time till January 31 for consumers to select channels of their choice under the new framework for broadcasting and cable services.

All existing packs of subscribers will continue uninterrupted till then.

After a meeting with broadcasters, DTH operators and MSOs (multi-system operators), it was decided to give some more time to implement the new regulations, Trai secretary S K Gupta said.

This will facilitate all service providers to migrate their subscribers to the new framework without causing any inconvenience.

Accordingly, distribution platform operators (DPOs) have been permitted to seek options from consumers till January 31 and customers will be migrated as per their choice from February 1, he said.

Earlier, the Trai had set December 28 as the deadline for migrating to the new regime.

All existing packs/plans/bouquets of the subscribers will continue till January 31. No service provider will disconnect any signal till that time, the Trai statement said.

The new framework allows consumers to select and pay only for the channels they wish to watch, and requires TV broadcasters to disclose the maximum retail price (MRP) of each channel and that of bouquets.

The telecom regulator had earlier asserted that the implementation of the new framework would lead to lower prices for TV viewers.

The Supreme Court had recently dismissed a plea challenging the Trai's March 2017 regulations and tariff order relating to fixation of charges for free and pay channels.

The government had said on Thursday that the new regulatory framework will provide "freedom of choice" and give consumers "direct control" on their monthly bill for television services.