MUMBAI: Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) has directed multi-system operator (MSO) Meghbela Cable And Broadband Services Pvt Ltd to file an affidavit in the audit dispute with Zee Entertainment Enterprise Ltd (ZEEL). Earlier, ZEEL was allowed to hold a comprehensive audit of respondent’s head-end, SMS and CAS systems without any delay.

TDSAT has noted that the audit is not making progress because historical data for the relevant period, or what the parties understand as baseline data, is not being supplied by the MSO. The tribunal directed the MSO to make adequate arrangements and preparations and extend full cooperation for the required audit.

“For that purpose, the MSO has to file an affidavit disclosing the required details before this tribunal within a week. Affidavit should disclose the number of locations and also other relevant particulars,” the latest order read.

In an earlier hearing, TDSAT directed that the audit should be held by an independent auditor such as KPMG, Ernst and Young where the representatives of both the parties will be entitled to remain present and auditors shall be at liberty to ask for reports from the vendors of the MSO’s systems including SMS and CAS systems.  It was also said that the cost of the audit shall be borne by ZEEL.

TDSAT also directed to post the matter for reviewing the further progress of audit on 9 August. It also mentioned that the latest order shall also bind the vendors of the MSO.