Players ready to migrate to new tariff order from February 1, says Trai

New Delhi: Telecom regulator Trai announced Thursday that all service providers have confirmed their readiness to migrate to the new tariff regime for broadcasting and cable services from Friday, and directed operators to ensure a smooth switchover without any inconvenience to TV viewers.While customer onboarding for cable services stands at about 62 per cent and for DTH at only 30 per cent, TRAI officials asserted that in case of the latter, the nature of the platform itself will ensure that the customer remains protected and does not face any disruption for the period the prepaid payment is valid. The services will continue till the next recharge for such customers."The multiple system operators have also assured us that they will allow some channels to be available to customers to avoid any inconvenience, and they will also actively pursue customers to exercise their choice,” Trai Secretary S K Gupta said.Trai, which held a meeting with broadcasters, distribution platform operators (DPOs) and other players on Thursday to review their preparations for the migration, said all operators have confirmed their preparedness to make the transition to the new framework from February 1.Trai has unveiled the new tariff order and regulatory regime for the broadcast and cable sector, which would pave the way for consumers to opt for channels they wish to view and pay only for them. It had said every channel should be offered a la carte, with a transparent display of rates on electronic programme guide.CALCUTTA HC VACATES STAY ON NEW TRAI TARIFF REGIMEThe Calcutta High Court, modifying its earlier stay order, on Thursday allowed Trai to bring into operation its new tariff regime and regulations for broadcast and cable sector from February 1. The TRAI had earlier planned implementation of the new regime from January 1, but later extended it by a month.Justice Arindam Sinha directed Local Cable Operators (LCOs) to enter into a revenue sharing agreement with Multi System Operators (MSOs) by February 8 either through negotiations or under an arrangement formulated by the Trai.Justice Sinha had on January 29 stayed implementation of the new tariff order and regulatory regime.

from Economic Times http://bit.ly/2HJrvwY