Trai directs DTH, cable operators to comply with new tariff order

New Delhi: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has pulled up four direct-to-home and cable operators for not complying with the rules of the new tariff order that came into place earlier this year. According to the new tariff regime proposed by the regulator, consumers can choose the TV channels they want and pay only for them at maximum retail prices (MRPs) set by broadcasters as opposed to the bouquets offered earlier.

In a circular dated 1 May, the regulator asked DTH operators Tata Sky, Dish TV and Direct Sun TV and cable operator Independent TV to ensure smooth transition to the new packs by consumers, especially where long-term subscriptions were concerned.

“In case the broadcasting services related to television have been availed by a subscriber with a lock-in period or the charges for subscription of broadcasting services related to television are paid in advance for a specific period by a subscriber in pursuance of any scheme offered by the distributor of television channels, the distributor shall continue to provide such services for such period to the subscriber without any increase in the price of subscription and without altering the other terms of subscription to the disadvantage of the subscriber,” according to the order.