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TRAI reconfirms new DTH rules come into effect from Feb 1, asks TV users to tell govt in case of a problem

The new DTH rules will come into effect from February 1. TRAI is making sure that all stakeholders in the DTH TV ecosystem make a smooth transition to the new regulations from February 1, 2019. TRAI has extended its helping hand to subscribers via a helpline.

he Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has been busy implementing new regulations into the DTH TV ecosystem in the last few months. The new regulations have been presented to make sure all stakeholders in the DTH TV ecosystem benefit financially. Broadcasters have already complied with the new regulations and presented prices of individual channels as well as clusters of channels to TRAI. The DTH operators have been mandated to offer the new a la carte method of choosing TV channels. TRAI has been urging subscribers to select their packs before the deadline of January 31, 2019. And so far, things have been going well.

TRAI in one of its latest press releases has stated the status of the transition to the new regulations. TRAI reports that many subscribers have already complied with the new regulations and selected their new channel packs prior to the deadline. Broadcasters have been helping TRAI by throwing out reminders to subscribers in the form of tickers or scrolling messages. TRAI has held meetings with many DTH and cable service providers to make sure that they make it easy for consumers to make the transition.

However, the press release also highlights certain issues that have been brought to TRAI’s notice in the past few weeks.

--TRAI says that several service providers have been forcing subscribers for choosing their custom channel packs. Many complaints have poured in from across the country, saying that operators haven’t provided the option to choose the new a la carte method of creating custom channel packs.

--Several subscribers are yet to make the move to the new regulations. Despite repeated reminders, there are many subscribers who haven’t chosen the channel packs before the deadline. According to the regulations, they could face the prospect of discontinuation of services.

Subscribers can reach out to TRAI’s call centre at 0120-6898689 or send an email to das@trai.gov.in.

-- It has been brought to notice of the Authority that the new Framework may not be implemented due to the stay granted by High Court of Kolkata. In this regards, it is clarified that TRAI had filed an application in the High Court of Kolkata requesting for the vacation of stay. After hearing the matter, the High Court of Kolkata has vacated the stay.

To make sure that the transition happens smoothly across the country, TRAI has come up with some solutions for both service providers and subscribers.

--In case of subscribers, if they witness rogue behaviour from their DTH service provider, they are requested to report the incident to TRAI. Subscribers can reach out to TRAI’s call centre at 0120-6898689 or send an email to das@trai.gov.in.

--Service providers have been asked to throw repeated reminders to make sure most subscribers migrate to the new framework as soon as possible. They have been asked to formulate smooth transition plans without putting them at any kind of disadvantage, avoiding discontinuation of services.