TATA Sky – Sony Feud: Telecom Tribunal Asks Parties To Find Amicable Solution Within Four Weeks

The ongoing dispute between Tata Sky and Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) has seen the entry of Telecom Disputes Settlement & Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT), which has directed both the parties to come up with an amicable solution within four weeks, Hindu Business Line has reported.

The trouble began when Tata Sky had removed 22 Sony channels over a pricing dispute. SPN’s three-year contract with Tata Sky had expired on 31 July, and the two have been negotiating a new pricing deal.

Sony reportedly has been demanding Rs 1,700 crore in contract fees a steep hike from the earlier terms worth about Rs 800 crore.

Following the dispute, Sony had tried to mount pressure over the DTH provider by starting a #DemandForSony campaign on major social media platforms.

In the recent development, TDSAT has said in its order that, “We direct both the parties to sit across the table and try to work out a mutually acceptable negotiated agreement within a period of four weeks from today. If required the parties may seek extension of the period”. The matter would next come up for hearing on 11 November.

Throughout this episode, Tata Sky has maintained that its users can view Sony’s channels at no extra price by sending them a Direct Message (DM) with required details. TDSAT too ruled that Tata Sky continue carrying all the channel in interest of the viewers.