Defer tariff changes amid Covid-19: Cable companies

Concerned with the outbreak of Covid-19 virus, the local cable operators’ association in Maharashtra has urged Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) to defer the amendments to the new tariff order (NTO 2.0) for the broadcast sector.

The regulator had notified the new tariff order on January 1. In a letter to Trai, a copy of which was viewed by ET, Arvind Prabhoo, president, Maharashtra Cable Operators’ Federation, has pointed out that in the normal course of business, cable operators have to visit customers’ homes for collections of post-paid subscription and on-site service support and that poses a health risk. Amendments were challenged by broadcasters and cable operators in various high courts and the matter is subjudice , without a stay order. But as per the timelines, the new regime is effective April 1.

“NTO 2.0 will necessitate more frequent interaction with subscribers firstly to refit them into new basic plan options, and second, to enable them to make the right choices of pay channels and packages,” Prabhoo wrote. Gadgets Now