After Tata Sky’s implementation of the revised pricing offer by broadcasters, Airtel Digital TV, D2H, and Sun Direct has also rolled-out the same.
After a lot of objection within the DTH and broadcasting industry, the consumers of cable TV and DTH services can expect some relief very soon. After the procedure of the new tariff regime which was presented by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Commonly known as TRAI), the consumers have seen a rise in their cable and DTH subscriptions.
This was because there was a revision in channel price which was created by the Network Capacity Expenses (NCF) and extra substantial charges for the pay channels that the consumer subscribes to. But, there is some good news for DTH subscribers. India’s second-largest DTH operator TATA Sky has initiated revising the subscription charges for its subscribers and now Airtel Digital TV, D2H & Sun Direct has also extended these revisions for their customers also.
SD Channels are now available in affordable
The pricing of the channels has been reduced from the previous Rs 19 per month charge to Rs 12 per month charge are only applicable for SD channels. The subscription charge for HD channels will remain the same as of now. For example – If any subscriber is in HD along with SD channels pack, then the monthly subscription price will be reduced for SD channels only which may come down to Rs 28 (approximately).
Popular Channels from Broadcaster on Revised Price
The move by these broadcasters came close on the heels of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India announcing a review of its earlier tariff order, announced six months ago.
Viacom18 – Colors Kannada and the GEC Hindi channel. Prices reduced from Rs. 19 to Rs 12 per month
Zee Entertainment – Zee TV, Zee Marathi, Zee Bangla, Zee Telugu, Zee Kannada, and Zee Sarthak. Prices reduced from Rs 19 to Rs 12 per month
Star India – Star Plus. Prices reduced from Rs. 19 to Rs 12 per month
As released, Tata Sky customers are already enjoying the channels at reduced prices. With the new movement Airtel Digital TV, D2H & Sun Direct customers can also now see the reduced prices effective on their TV screens while viewing the channels. The new prices are now visible on the TV screen and can also be checked through the company official sites of Airtel Digital TV, D2H & Sun Direct my account page section.
As of now, there is no update on this from India’s Leading DTH player Dish TV. We are expecting as Dish TV will also extend the price revision very shortly.
TRAI Might Make Changes to Channel Pricing
The new move has been speculated to come after TRAI is ideating on implementing a discount cap on the bouquets. If implemented, this discount cap would mean that the broadcasters would not be able to price the a-la-carte channels more than 15% of the price in the bouquet. For example, if a channel is priced at Rs 6 in the bouquet, then the a-la-carte channel pricing could not be more than Rs 6.90 for the subscribers. As per TRAI, this move will help in increasing the uptake of the a-la-carte channels which would mean that the subscribers would actually opt for the channels that they want.
The Indian Broadcasting Foundation has opposed any move by the regulator to review its tariff order, arguing that another intervention would be premature and have disastrous consequences for the entire industry. Consumers at the lower end have complained that they now have to pay Rs 130 a month plus GST which is Rs 153 as network capacity fees to distribution platforms (cable operators) for even the basic free-to-air channels.
