TRAI Asks Tata Sky To Submit Report On Execution Of New Broadcast Tariff Order

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has asked Direct-to-Home service provider Tata Sky to submit a comprehensive status report regarding the implementation of the new broadcast regulatory framework after receiving complaints from consumers.

This comes at a time when a petition by the DTH service provider against the new broadcast tariff order is pending before the Delhi High Court.

All Distribution Platform Operators (DPOs) are required to adhere to TRAI’s migration plan to ensure a smooth transition of subscribers to the new broadcast tariff order and submit daily and weekly status reports.

According to the migration plan, DPOs, which consist of all Multi-System Operators and Direct-to-Home operators, need to reach out to 100 percent of their subscriber base by January 21 and collect information regarding consumer choices for their new subscription plans.

No provision in system

TRAI stated, in its letter to the DTH service provider, that it has received a large number of complaints from subscribers of Tata Sky that it has not made any provision in its system to obtain the choice of its subscribers as per the new regulatory framework.

“They (Tata Sky subscribers) have pointed out that the customer care center of Tata Sky, as well as the ticker running on Tata Sky Platform channels, are misleading the subscribers, by informing that TRAI has extended the date of implementation of the new regulatory framework. This information is patently false and misleading,” the letter added.

“Further, it is also noticed that while most of the DPOs have been furnishing information to TRAI in the prescribed format on a regular basis, Tata Sky has not furnished even a single status report so far,” the regulator stated in its written communication.

TRAI had, therefore, asked the DTH service provider to submit a comprehensive status report on steps taken to comply with the migration plan timelines.

Hearing in court

Tata Sky declined to comment since the matter is subjudiced.

The Delhi High Court is next scheduled to hear the matter on January 23.

TRAI has given time till January 31 to TV subscribers to opt for their new subscription plans in line with the implementation of the MRP-based broadcast tariff order.―The Hindu Business Line