TRAI Notifies Amendments to the Interconnection Regulations Applicable for Digital Addressable Cable TV Systems (DAS) and Tariff Order Applicable for Addressable Systems
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has today notified the amendments to the Interconnection Regulations applicable for Digital addressable cable TV systems (DAS) and Tariff Order applicable for addressable systems.
The amendments in the tariff order modify the ˜twin conditions™ that regulate the a-la-carte rate of channels vis-Ã -vis the bouquet rates at retail level, protecting the interests of the subscribers. It also clarifies the position that subscribers can either opt for channels on a-la-caret basis or bouquet or combination of both, as per their choice.
Considering the fact that adequate provisions/safeguards are already available in the Interconnection Regulations applicable for DAS, certain provisions have been omitted from these regulations. These pertain to prescription of a minimum channel carrying capacity of 500 channels for the MSOs and prohibition regarding charging of placement fee by the MSOs. A proviso has been added to specifically bring in clarity that the MSOs cannot seek a channel from the broadcaster and seek carriage fee at the same time.
Full text of the amendments is available on website of TRAI – www.trai.gov.in.
