Reliance cable firms remove Star channels before IPL, to affect 20 million

As the Indian Premier League (IPL) approaches, three big cable companies, DEN Networks, Hathway Cable & Datacom, and GTPL Hathway, have informed their customers that they will be removing Star Sports and other Star channels from their basic packages starting on April 1, Financial Express has reported.

This means that about 20 million people who want to watch the cricket league on television may have to pay extra. If customers complain to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai), the situation could result in government intervention, the report added.

Broadcasting regulations state that consumers have the right to request that their cable or DTH operators provide the channels they wish to watch.