Consumers To Pay Only For Channels They Watch: TRAI Chairman Dispels Rumours Of Price Hike After Recent Guidelines

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has dismissed fears of plausible hikes in the subscription rates of cable TV and DTH services, reports Deccan Herald.

TRAI made the statement, assuring viewers that they will not have to pay more for television channels under the latest regulation.

Chairman of TRAI, R S Sharma, in New Delhi said the prices for cable and broadcasting services would lower from the execution of the new framework. Under the new rules, consumers will only have to pay for channels they will watch.

Consumers will receive excellent service quality and interconnection in the new system; he said while adding there will be a total reduction in prices and transparency in tariffs.

Sharma slams the "misinformation campaign", which is carried out to fuel the "hyperbolic fear" among consumers. He says the regulator is trying to ensure a disruption-free “ smooth transition” while shifting to the new framework.

Sharma, reacting to various reports of new regulations would see consumers shell more money for cable TV, or DTH subscriptions said that a section of people generated the false news.

To do so, the telecom regulatory in India has already started creating awareness addressing the new tariff order and its framework through ab consumer outreach programme.

Earlier, the Supreme Court dismissed a plea challenging the March 2017 order of the TRAI’s regulations and tariff order concerning the fixation of charges for free and paid channels.

Consumers, in the new framework, will be able to select and pay for the channels they want to watch. Further, TV broadcasters are required to disclose the MRP of every channel and their bouquets.