Dish, cable TV subscription may become cheaper as regulator rolls out framework

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has announced significant changes to the rules governing broadcasting and cable services.

These updates are part of a broader effort to modernize the regulatory framework and include the Telecommunication Services, Interconnection Regulations, 2024, and the Telecommunication Standards of Quality of Service and Consumer Protection Regulations, 2024.

Most of these changes are set to take effect 90 days after their publication in the Official Gazette.

Key Changes:

Tariff Order:
- NCF Cap Removal: The cap on Network Capacity Fee (NCF) of Rs 130 for up to 200 channels and Rs 160 for more than 200 channels has been removed. Service providers can now set different NCFs based on various factors but must publish and inform consumers of these charges.

- Increased Discount Flexibility: DPOs can now offer up to 45% discounts on channel bundles, up from the previous limit of 15%.

- Free-to-Air Pay Channels: Pay channels on the public service broadcaster’s DTH platform must be declared free-to-air for all addressable distribution platforms.
Interconnection Regulations:

- HD and SD Channels: The distinction between HD and SD channels for carriage fee purposes has been removed.

- Simplified Carriage Fee:The carriage fee regime has been simplified, allowing DPOs to charge a lower carriage fee as needed.

Quality of Service (QoS) Regulations:
-Service Charges: Charges for services like installation and activation are now under forbearance, meaning service providers can set their own charges but must publish them for transparency.
-Relaxed Compliance for Small DPOs: Small DPOs have relaxed regulatory compliances.
-Prepaid Subscription Clarity: The duration of prepaid subscriptions must be specified in days for clarity.
-Display of Prices in EPG: DPOs can display Distributor Retail Prices (DRPs) alongside MRPs in the EPG.
-Platform Service Channels: Platform service channels must be classified under the genre of ‘Platform Services’ in the EPG and their MRPs must be displayed.
Financial Penalties:
-Accountability Measures: Penalties have been introduced for violating the Tariff Order and other regulations to ensure accountability.
Transparency Measures:
-Information Publication: Service providers must publish all tariff and charge information on their websites and inform subscribers about the tariffs and charges for their plans.
Recommendations to MIB:
-Channel Listings in EPG: Channels must be listed in the EPG with information about their primary language and sub-genre for easier navigation.
-Upgrading DD Free Dish: The DD Free Dish platform will be upgraded to an addressable system to improve viewing quality, prevent piracy, and maintain subscriber records.