TRAI is planning for a new regulation on discount cap for DTH & Cable TV channels resulting in many popular broadcasters have reduced the channel prices
TATA SKY: 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 started revising the subscription charges for its subscribers.
SD Channels are now more affordable with TATA Sky
Recently few popular broadcasters like Star India, Viacom18, ZEEL, and Sony Pictures have revealed their new SD channel prices for most popular channels. Post the revision in the channel pricing, the subscribers were questioning about the effective date of this and now Tata Sky has already implemented this pricing with immediate effect to their subscribers. If the users of Tata Sky, accessing the Tata Sky Mobile App, Website, they can see a difference in their monthly subscription price also while adding a new channel, subscribers will be charged as per the new charges.
HD Channel Prices to remain the same
Having said, 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
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.
