NTO 2.0: TRAI seeks compliance report from broadcasters

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has sought compliance reports from broadcasters with regard to the implementation of NTO 2.0. The broadcasters should give the report on the New Tariff Order to the regulator within 10 days. It may be recalled that the appeal for a temporary reprieve sought by the Indian Broadcasting and Digital Foundation’s (IBDF) was rejected recently by the Supreme Court.

It was in 2017 that the TRAI notified NTO 1.0. The regulatory framework was amended in the year 2020 and called NTO 2.0. Broadcasters such as Viacom18, Star India, Sony Pictures, etc., challenged NTO 2.0 before the Bombay High Court.

TRAI will take the next course of action upon the receipt of feedback from the broadcasters. It is likely that the regulator will take a stern position in this regard.

Some industry insiders are of the opinion that since the Supreme Court has refused to provide any interim relief, the broadcasters may abide by the NTO 2.0 by introducing new bouquet rates.

The apex court will take up the matter for a final hearing on November 30, 2021. Adgully