TRAI Proposes Interoperable Set-Top Boxes for Easy DTH Switch

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, (TRAI) has made recommendations that will surely bring much-needed relief to DTH and set-top box consumers after a breakthrough. Now it means that consumers will no longer be required to change their set-top boxes while changing service providers. Earlier, with switching from one DTH service provider, Tata Sky to Airtel, customers were forced to buy a brand-new set-top box. The interoperability of set-top boxes will eliminate all those hardships.

The suggestions, forming part of TRAI's expansive conception of broadcasting services services under the aegis of the Telecommunications Act of 2023, include the promotion of voluntary infrastructure-sharing arrangements by broadcasters. These amendments have been proposed to make operations easier and to minimize avoidable expenses. The new Act, which comes into being as a replacement for the archaic Telegraph Act, 1885, is designed to contemporise the broadcasting industry to facilitate its growth and to make it easier for service providers and consumers alike in their respective tasks.

TRAI’s recommendations seek to address several key areas, including:

Interoperable Set-Top Boxes: The plan enables consumers to utilize the same set-top box when they change service providers, reducing the requirement for extra equipment.

Infrastructure Sharing: TRAI encourages voluntary sharing of infrastructure between broadcast and telecom players, subject to technical and economic viability, with the aim of enhancing operational efficiency and minimizing duplication of resources.

Lower Net Worth Requirement for IPTV Service Providers: TRAI has suggested decreasing the minimum net worth requirement for IPTV service providers to allow new entrants and increase the scope of services.

Among the major objectives of these suggestions is to minimize the environmental footprint by lessening electronic waste. By enabling consumers to keep their current set-top boxes, TRAI aims to decrease the quantity of abandoned devices, paving the way for a cleaner environment while ensuring that customers enjoy the comfort of usage.

Not to mention the changes introduced about set-top boxes, TRAI has, in its recommendations, called for improvements in the technological capabilities of radio broadcasting services, and enhancement of user experience.

In accordance with the same lines, the other-most move TRAI has taken is to tighten regulations concerning unsolicited commercial communication (UCC).

The authority has introduced heavy penalties of up to Rs 10 lakh for violations of the rules on marketing calls. There is also the launch of a new Do-Not-Disturb (DND) app that allows mobile users to set their preferences and control unwanted marketing calls.