Choose Your Channels Wisely: Consumers To Only Pay For What They Watch, Get A Month To Pick Under New TRAI Regulations

Consumers for cable services and DTH could opt for channels of their choice till 31 January under the new framework of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), reports Livemint.

“In a meeting of broadcasters, DTH operators, and MSOs (multi-system operators today (28 December), everyone confirmed their readiness to implement new regulations. However, they requested that some more time may be given seeking options from subscribers for smooth and interruption free migrations,” S K Gupta, Secretary of the TRAI was quoted saying by Mint.

As per the discussions held, distribution platform operators (DPOs) have been permitted to seek options from consumers till 31 January and customers would be switched to the plan of their choice from 1 February, said Gupta.

Consumers could select and pay only for the channels they wish to watch, according to the new framework. It also requires television broadcasters to disclose the maximum retail price (MRP) of each channel and that of bouquets.

TRAI had earlier indicated that implementation of the new framework would lower prices for TV viewers and slammed the 'misinformation campaign' being carried out by some to fuel “hyperbolic fear” among consumers.

The TRAI Chairman had earlier assured the existing customers of smooth transition the new framework without any inconveniences.

The Supreme Court recently dismissed a plea challenging the telecom regulator's March 2017 tariff order on fixing of charges for free and pay channels.