Trai warns broadcasters against non-compliance of amendments to new tariff order

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has warned television broadcasters against non-compliance of the provisions of the new tariff order (NTO) introduced in 2017 and amendments brought to it this January. It has reminded the latter that the high court has passed no orders restraining Trai from implementing these regulations though broadcasters had challenged the same.

In a letter issued on Friday evening, Trai said that it has noted that the bouquets of pay channels (offered by certain broadcasters) are not in compliance with the provisions, adding that consumers are being denied the benefits of amended regulations though the same have been implemented by distribution platform owners (DPOs) and multiple system operators.

“The authority has noted that…some broadcasters have started violating the clause related to reporting requirement and are also disturbing the status quo by modifying the composition as well as the discontinuation of their existing bouquets that are beneficial to them but adversely affects interests of consumers,” the letter said.