Channels go off air over tariff row with cable operators

The stand-off between television broadcasters and cable operators over tariff hike has intensified, with big broadcasters such as Disney Star, Zee Entertainment and Sony Pictures Networks India, deciding to switch off signals for several big cable operators, who account for over four crore subscribers in the country.

In keeping with a new order by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), referred to as NTO 3.0, the broadcasters had effected a hike of 10-15 per cent on channel offerings, which didn’t sit well with a group of cable operators, who contended that this will impact consumers as well as their own business.