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The deadline for submitting the consumer application forms (CAF) to multi-system operators (MSOs) and cable operators has been extended till July 10, from the earlier June 25.
Earlier, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) had said that consumers need to submit these forms, indicating their choice of channels, by June 25, failing which MSOs were asked to switch off television signals of such subscribers.
TRAI had met with MSO executives on Tuesday to take stock of the progress and the latter urged the regulator to extend the date. “The Authority observed that though there has been a tangible increase in the number of subscribers who have provided details, there are still a large number of subscribers whose complete details are not yet available with cable operators and MSOs,” TRAI said in a statement.
Inconvenience
The telecom and broadcasting regulator said the deadline is being extended to minimise consumer inconvenience that will be caused if MSOs disconnect set-top boxes immediately. However, it added that July 10 will be the “last and final extension.”
Digital cable subscribers are being asked to fill the consumer application forms so that they can indicate their choice of channel packages and pay for only those channels. This is also being done to ensure there is a transparent data on the number of subscribers each MSO has, which, in turn, is important while striking revenue share arrangements with broadcasters. Further, the Government will also know the exact number of digital cable subscribers while levying taxes.
In its statement the MSO Alliance said it was confident that the collection of consumer forms from all subscribers will be concluded by the final deadline and it will compulsorily switch-off the set-top boxes of the subscribers who fail to meet the deadline. It also said, “Switch-off of their cable TV services to meet the June 25 deadline for submission of the forms would greatly inconvenience such consumers and leave large numbers of people without a television service.”
According to estimates, only about 55-60 per cent of the digital cable consumers have submitted these forms. Broadcasters had also been running tickers and scrolls and a media campaign to educate consumers about the need for submitting these forms.
Meenkashi.v@thehindu.co.in
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