New Cable TV Rules: 30% Users Ditch Cable For DTH; TRAI Asks This DTH Firm To Justify Tariff

Two very interesting news is coming in from the cable TV industry. As per a report, upto 30% Cable TV users have ditched their service provider and opted for DTH in Kolkata.

Why has this happened?

Meanwhile TRAI has asked Independent TV to justify their tariffs. This came after several users from Independent TV complained to TRAI over their weird tariffs and combos.

Independent TV was previously known as Big TV.

30% Cable Users Opting For DTH

Ever since TRAI’s new Cable TV regime has come into force, small cable operators are suffering and losing customers. And the evidence is clearly evident.

For instance, in Kolkata, 25% to 30% cable TV users have left their existing service providers, and opted for DTH.

And the reason is that, Cable TV operators are not able to deliver the service, under the new regime. Either their MSO is not able to handle the request, or the existing system is failing to deliver. The result: Consumers are now moving towards DTH.

One such Kolkata cable user, Sudipan Maity, from Kalikapur, said, “I had a HD (high definition) connection but all pay channels suddenly went off despite me choosing a HD pack well in advance. I waited for 40 days before going for Tata Sky.”

Shankar Mondal, president of the Biswas Bangla Cable TV Operators’ has confirmed this, as he said that almost every cable TV operator, also called LCO has lost customers due to the new cable TV rules.

Earlier, we had reported how a LCO from Assam actually committed suicide, because he was losing business, and his MCO was not able to provide technical assistance to migrate to the new rules.

Pretty sad affair for cable operators, as they clearly cannot compete against bigger DTH firms now.

TRAI To Independent TV: Justify Your Tariffs

Formerly Big TV, but now renamed to Independent TV has been asked by TRAI to justify their current tariffs under the new Cable TV regime.

Independent TV has 0.8 million customers, and since last few week, TRAI has been receiving lots of complaints against Independent TV over their tariffs and price breakup details.

TRAI said to Independent TV: “You are hereby directed to provide all the information in the prescribed format as sought by TRAI… Further, you are also required to provide detailed justification that the present tariff plans, being offered by Independent TV are in line with the new regulatory framework clearly indicating the bifurcation of the Network Capacity Fee and other charges,”

We will keep you updated, as we receive more details.

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