TRAI Amends Regulatory Framework For Broadcasting And Cable Services

New Delhi, Jul 9 (KNN) The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has announced significant amendments to the regulatory framework governing broadcasting and cable services in India.

These changes, unveiled on Monday, aim to enhance market-driven pricing, increase transparency, and provide greater flexibility to distribution platform operators (DPOs).

A major modification involves the Network Capacity Fee (NCF). TRAI has removed the previous ceiling on NCF, allowing service providers to set fees based on factors such as the number of channels, region, and customer class.

Additionally, DPOs can now offer discounts of up to 45 per cent when forming channel bouquets, a substantial increase from the previous 15 per cent limit.

In an effort to ensure parity, pay channels available at no subscription fee on the public service broadcaster's direct-to-home (DTH) platform must be declared free-to-air across all addressable distribution platforms.

The regulator has also eliminated the distinction between high-definition (HD) and standard definition (SD) channels for carriage fee purposes, with a single ceiling now prescribed.

TRAI has placed fees for services such as installation, activation, and relocation under forbearance, with DPOs required to publish these charges transparently.

To improve consumer clarity, the duration of prepaid subscriptions must now be specified in number of days.

The amendments also address electronic programme guide (EPG) displays. DPOs may now show Distributor Retail Prices alongside the maximum retail price of channels in EPGs.

Furthermore, DPOs must categorise their exclusive subscriber channels under the ‘Platform Services’ genre in EPGs, displaying respective maximum retail prices.

TRAI stated that these measures are expected to simplify service offerings, promote high-quality channel availability, and enhance transparency for consumers.

The regulator emphasised that all charges must be published by service providers, communicated to consumers, and reported to TRAI to ensure compliance and clarity in the market.

These amendments reflect TRAI's efforts to adapt regulations to evolving market dynamics and technological advancements in the broadcasting and cable services sector.

By implementing these changes, the regulatory body aims to create a more flexible and transparent environment for both service providers and consumers in India's television and cable market.

(KNN Bureau)