TRAI Orders ‘Smooth Migration’ Of DTH Customers To New Pricing System; ‘Bouquets’ Not To Be Presented Henceforth

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s (TRAI) new framework kicked in from 1 February, allowing customers to choose packs and channels which they want to watch. The structure was bought in on 28 December, but TRAI gave a month to Distributions Platform Operators (DPO) to shift their consumers to the new system.

To ensure the consumer's interests are safeguarded, the regulatory body directed DPOs to make transition plans for consumers to migrate to the new system without any problems, the Television Post reports.

The TRAI has already told providers to start services on a priority basis for customers who have registered their choices. “Exercising options will enable you to continue to watch your favourite TV channels without any inconvenience. Distributors have been requested to plan the migration processes with no/least inconvenience whatsoever to their subscribers,” TRAI said.

The TRAI has told DPOs to continue spreading information about the new rules by mobile applications, SMS, websites and direct contact or LCOs. Further, TRAI has been conducting meetings with broadcasters, DTH operators, MSOs, HITS operators regularly and the latest was on 31 January.

The regulatory body said that various cases where customers are forced to opt for bouquets and predefined packages without an option to select free to air (FTA) or pay channels on an a-la-carte basis were being reported.

It further clarified that customers will be able to choose freely from FTA channels and/or pay channels in either bouquets or a-la-carte basis or in any combination they want.

“In case any DTH/cable TV is insisting on predefined packages or bouquets without providing real choices, subscribers are requested to report the same at the TRAI call centre 0120–6898689 or email das@trai.gov.in,” TRAI said.