Ensure DTH and Cable Set-top Boxes are Compatible: Trai to the I&B Ministry

By Media Infotainment Team | Tuesday, 09 July 2024

In what may come as a relief to millions of DTH and cable TV subscribers, Trai has suggested that set-top boxes (STBs) be made interoperable, allowing consumers to switch from one operator to another without replacing their STBs.

Trai eliminated the Network Capacity Fee (NCF) that service providers charged customers (Rs 130 for 200 channels and Rs 160 for over 200 channels), allowing them the flexibility to charge less in the name of regional difficulties and competitive spirit. This is another important proposal that might have an influence on monthly TV pricing.

"To make it more egalitarian and market-driven, ceilings of Rs. 130 for 200 channels and Rs. 160 for more than 200 channels have been removed from NCF and placed under forbearance. The number of channels, various geographies, various client classes, or any combination of these factors may now result in varied NCF charges from the service provider.

While notifying "Amendments to the Regulatory framework for Broadcasting and Cable Services," it stated that "all such charges have to be mandatorily published by the service providers and communicated to the consumers in addition to reporting to the Trai" in order to guarantee transparency.

Regarding the interoperability of STBs, Trai stated that it is desired, despite the cable and DTH providers' long-standing resistance, which they have attributed to technological difficulties and problems with proprietary software. While not requiring the action, Trai stated that "the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting may direct private DPOs (cable and DTH providers) to adopt and implement interoperable STBs."

In order to provide customers with choices and enticing offers, Trai also permitted DTH and cable operators—who contend with fierce competition from online OTT platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime—to offer discounts of up to 45% when creating their bouquets. This discount was formerly limited to 15%.

The fees that were previously outlined in a rule for services including installation and activation, visits, relocation, and temporary suspension have now been placed under forbearance.

In yet another significant ruling, Trai recommended that Prasar Bharati change the DD Free Dish platform from a non-addressable to an encrypted, addressable one. This should be carried out to guarantee the quality of the viewing experience, stop illegal television channel retransmissions in order to stop piracy, , and keep track of subscribers.

"In order to empower consumer choice, Prasar Bharati should embrace interoperable STBs for DD Free Dish, which will serve as a catalyst for the ecosystem's overall shift from operator-based STBs to interoperable STBs. As a result, there won't be any need to swap out STBs if the service provider changes, according to Trai.

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