The Hindu Business Line : TRAI reviewing cable TV tariffs

While tariffs have been fixed for Conditional Access System (CAS) notified areas at a maximum of Rs 5 per channel, for the larger audience outside of CAS areas prices since the past two-and-half years have been left to market forces.

Non-CAS areas

However, the authority has decided to review the cable tariffs of non-CAS areas in view of the availability of other television platforms such as Direct-to-Home and IPTV along with the implementation of CAS.

Consultation paper

In this regard, TRAI on Monday issued a consultation paper seeking to address issues from the perspective of consumers as well as the service providers.

The authority, on its Website, observed that while the broadcasters argued for deregulation, network operators complained of being burdened with the problems of increased bills due to increased connectivity demanded by broadcasters, rendering the ceiling fixed in 2004 ineffective.

According to TRAI, non-uniform rates are resulting in cable operators charging arbitrarily without an effective redressal mechanism.

The authority also believes that consumers are affected by widespread fragmentation at the last mile level of cable television and the lack of transparency and choice in channel selection and cable operator.

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