TRAI quells rumours about postponement of new regulatory framework

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has asserted that there will be no postponement or modification of the implementation of the new regulatory framework for the broadcasting sector.

The authority had earlier revised the timelines for implementation of the new framework to give customers enough time to make the transition to the new regime.

The distribution platform operators (DPOs) have time till 21 January to collect the new package details of customers. Further, the customers who have exercised their choice will be migrated to the new framework from 1st February.

The authority stated that all the timelines prescribed in the above-mentioned framework commenced from 3rd July 2018. It also said that the new regulatory framework has come into effect on 29th December 2018.

“Now it has been brought to the notice of the Authority that certain rumours/messages are being floated that the implementation of the new framework has been postponed or stopped or is being modified,” TRAI said in a statement.

“The Authority clarifies that the new framework has come into effect on 29th December 2018. The schedule of activities has been duly communicated to all the service providers for reaching out to the consumers and obtaining choices.”

It also asked all subscribers to exercise their options without waiting for the last minute to avoid any inconvenience and to ensure that they continue to view their favourite channels.

TRAI said it is conducting review meetings regularly to monitor the progress. All the service providers are again advised to strictly observe the timelines as provided in the migration plan dated 28th December 2018.

The authority further stated that it has been monitoring the progress in regards to availability of consumer corner, choices to the consumers, provision of consumer care channel, and the percentage of consumers whose choice has been obtained on day to day basis. It also noted that almost all the service providers have started providing consumer care channel on Channel Number 999.