Tata Sky Removes HD Access Fees Forever; Social Media Complaints Against DTH Operators Rise

HD Access fees by Tata Sky was an additional fees to view HD channels.

By Mohul Ghosh Last updated Feb 4, 2019

Tata Sky wont charge HD Access fee anymore

In a major decision, Tata Sky has decided to remove the dreaded HD Access fees forever. This message has been conveyed via text messages to all customers of Tata Sky.

Meanwhile, social media is abuzz with complaints against DTH companies such as Tata Sky, Airtel, D2h, Dish TV and others.

What are the major complaints from the customers? Keep reading to find out more!

Tata Sky: No More HD Access Fees

Starting 2015, Tata Sky had introduced a new HD Access fees for their customers: This means was paid to allow access of HD channels. Separate fees for HD channels existed, which was charged separately.

Initially, it was Rs 125 for a month, which went upto Rs 175, and Rs 1925 for a year.

Now, under the new Cable TV regime which came into force effective February 1st, there is no scope for such HD Access fees. Different channels have different MRPs for both SD and HD, and thus, Tata Sky has decided to waive off this fees forever.

As per reports coming in, Tata Sky has kickstarted a campaign to inform all their users about this waive-off, via SMSes.

Tata has also informed that their Kids Pack has also been removed.

Hence, now Tata Sky customers can pay Rs 130 plus GST, (Network Connect Fees) and avail 100 channels, which can include FTA, SD and HD. Separate charges for SD and HD Pay channels have already been shared.

Social Media Abuzz With DTH Complaints

Effective February 1st, TRAI has imposed the new Cable TV rules, wherein the customers can choose the channels which they wish to watch, and pay only for that.

Customers who have chosen their packs via websites/apps for DTH companies are now complaining that the system isn’t working fine.

Most of the complaints are related with packs selection: The customer claims that they have chosen a pack/bouquet of channels, but the DTH operator has set them up on a different pack.

Sudarsha N, is a customer from Thrissur, Kerala. She complained: “I had given a specific plan a week ago. But I’ve been put on some other plan without the channels that I need,”

As per her, the customer service mechanism is also broken, as there is no one to help her.

Another Twitter used, Nikunj Chaudhari posted on Twitter. “I can’t see channel[s] since three day[s]. I have complained about three time[s] but they can’t solve problem. Worst service..”

It seems that pack selection and implementation of that pack at the end-user is the biggest problem here. Customers are choosing their own packs, and channels as suggested by TRAI, but the system used by DTH companies isn’t executing those packs.

Another user said, “I called customer care and asked why my new TRAI pack has not been activated. The customer care person said I am yet to make a request,”

We have intentionally not named any DTH company here, as we totally understand the hiccups which unintentionally come up during a system transition.

Are you a long term pack user? There is news for you: Your pack can continue now, till it expires. No need to select a new pack.

We will keep you updated, as more details come in.