TRAI’s new framework for DTH, cable channels: Deadline to pick channels is now March 31

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has given customers and subscribers till March 31, 2019 to choose their television channels and create their packs under its new regulatory framework, which came into effect on February 1, 2019. January 31, 2019 was the deadline for consumers to choose their new data packs. Now, the deadline has been extended to March 31, 2019, by TRAI in order to help consumers who are yet to finalise packs.

TRAI has clarified that for the time being cable operators and DTH companies can offer customers what will be called a ‘Best Fit Plan’ based on their television consumption habits. This is only for customers who have not chosen their plans till now. Here’s what the new deadline and ‘best fit plans’ mean for customers.

TRAI extension of deadline: What is the new date, how to choose channels?

TRAI has said in its press release that it was aware that under the new system, “some subscribers are facing difficulties in selecting the channels/bouquet of their choice.” It has also acknowledged that in some cases paid channels of the subscribers who did not exercise the options under the new regime were deactivated.