As per the reports, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has announced the launch of a new channel selector app for all television subscribers across DTH (direct-to-home) and cable services, further enabling them to view, modify and optimize channel packs irrespective of their distribution platform.
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What About Availability?
Now this app is available on iOS and Google Play Store, currently it has four DTH operators support namely Tata Sky, Dish TV, d2h, Airtel TV and also has four MSOs (multiple system operators) including Hathway, SITI Networks, In Digital and Asianet on board.
According to Trai, these all together count for over 50% of the TV subscriber base.
While twelve other MSOs are in the process of coming on board, they said.
Why Would This Happen?
Earlier, the launch of Trai Channel Selector app was scheduled in April, but it had to be postponed due to the covid-19 pandemic.
Apart from that, the other fact affected that many distribution providers were working with scarce staff.
The Trai chairman, RS Sharma said, “We have to realize that things become easier when they are standardized and transparent,”.
“Our objective is to facilitate the consumer which in turn, will be in the long-term interest of all stakeholders,” he added.
How To Use This Application?
For using this app, the user has to go through a four-step process.
- First of all, the consumer has to select their DTH or cable operator from a list provided.
- Then log in by entering users details such as mobile number, subscriber ID or set top box number.
- After that, users will be able to view their current account summary, so that they can add or delete channels of their choice.
- Finally, review the subscription to submit the details to finalize it.
How Does This App Help Users?
According to Trai, this app helps users in optimizing their subscription plan before it is sent to the distribution platform to get the selected list of channels for the same or a lower price and provide value for money.
So far, individual operators facilitate such processes on their own websites and apps too.
Basically, the idea is to bring everyone on a common, transparent interface, Trai said.
What Do Networks Say?
Moreover, the Essel Group-owned SITI Networks welcomed the Trai initiative.
The CEO, SITI Networks Ltd, Anil Malhotra said, “Trai’s channel selector app is a move in the right direction. It gives power into the hands of consumers, literally. Since the introduction of NTO, SITI has facilitated the power of choice to its customers through our website,”.
On the other hand, the spokesperson from Tata Sky said that its customers can manage their packs very easily through the Tata Sky website or app and the Trai channel selector app will simply allow them another channel of access.
Further, Sharma added that the regulator is not interested in running a commercial venture and all DPOs are free to develop their own apps too.
While giving more information, he further mentioned that the app will not infringe on users’ privacy in any way.
As, the only information shared will be what they choose to, with their service provider and based on the channels they wish to view.
Sharma said, “We will continue to update the app based on the feedback we get from consumers,”.
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