TRAI-Tata Sky Battle Gets Ugly: Regulator Pulls Up DTH Operator After Customers Complain Of Being Mislead

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has warned DTH operator Tata Sky for not implementing necessary customer service options while bringing in the latest regulations for channel pricing, Mint report.

The regulator recently introduced a new tariff regime under which consumers just need pay for the channels they want to watch.

The existing bouquet system also stands removed under the new guidelines and payment needs to be made as per MRP rates set by the broadcasters.

In a 15 January letter to Tata Sky, the TRAI said, “A large number of complaints (are) being received by the Authority from subscribers of Tata Sky.” The letter further stated that the subscribers are complaining over no provisions being made to record their choice as detailed in the new regulatory framework.

The TRAI also said that various customers have complained that Tata Sky’s Customer Care Centre and the Running Ticker on the platform is misleading. The ticker states that the Telecom body has extended the implementation date of the new framework, while the regulator has asserted that it isn’t true.

The Running Ticker says, “After the new government tariff order applies and the prices are finalised, we will contact you and migrate your channels and prices. This can take a few days. Till we connect with you, enjoy your current plan at the existing lower prices.”

The DTH operator till now has not provided a single status report, the letter said, while making it clear that no date has been extended and operators are only given time till 31 January 2019.

Further, Tata Sky has been ordered to provide a schedule of activities, since the matter is ongoing in court, the operator has not commented yet.