TRAI mulls revision of cable TV tariff

TRAI is considering revision of its tariff order for cable TV channels following reservations expressed by multiple service operators.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) was considering revision of its tariff order for cable television channels following reservations expressed by multiple service operators and cable operators.

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TRAI, which had passed the tariff order in 2004, would consider a revision after examining suggestions by different stakeholders in the industry.

"We had issued a tariff order which had frozen the price, but was later suitably modified to take into account the inflation factor. But some pointed out that this was not meeting all requirements. So we are inviting suggestions from MSOs and cable operators," Dr Devendra PS Seth, member, TRAI, said after a meeting with local cable operators.

"The basic issue is when new channels come should they be priced individually or be priced as part of a bouquet? Also, how the price mechanism should be made so that they cannot fix the price arbitrarily?" he said.

Stating that TRAI has already held meetings with cable operators and MSOs in Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore, Seth said "there are different views. We will examine all suggestions and take a decision on a revision."

About the conditional access system (CAS), he said "our recommendations are with the government, which will take a decision in due course."