Telecom regulator TRAI has released a Consultation Paper on tariff issues related to broadcasting and cable TV services for commercial subscribers. However, the term ‘commercial subscriber’ needs to be spelt out for which stakeholders’ views have been sought.

The matter of tariff for commercial subscribers has been under judicial scrutiny since 2005, before, both the Hon’ble Telecom Disputes Settlement Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) and the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, according to a TRAI press release of June-11.

The Authority meanwhile, based on the interim order of the Hon’ble Supreme Court dated 19.10.2006 had issued Tariff Amendment orders on 21.11.2006, applicable on commercial subscribers.  These orders too were contested before the judicial forums. 

In the latest order dated 16.4.2014, the Hon’ble Supreme Court has directed that for a period of three month, the impugned tariff, which is in force as on today, shall continue.  Further, within these 3 months, TRAI shall look into the matter de novo and shall re-determine the tariff after hearing the contentions of all the stakeholders.

Accordingly, after analysing the issues involved, TRAI has come out with this consultation paper, the key issues being – definitions of the ‘commercial subscriber’ and commercial establishment; manners of offering of TV services to the commercial subscribers; and various alternatives of tariff for the commercial subscribers.

As part of the consultative process, the consultation paper has been uploaded on the TRAI website, seeking comments/views of stakeholders.  Stakeholders are asked to comment before June-27. 

Read full paper:  http://www.trai.gov.in/WriteReaddata/ConsultationPaper/Document/CP%20on%20commercial%20Subscribers%20-%20final.pdf