TRAI claims stakeholders ready as new tariff regime kicks in

TRAI claims stakeholders ready as new tariff regime kicks in

Several meetings were held with DPOs over the last few weeks for smooth migration.

TRAI

MUMBAI: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) states that it has held meetings with MSOs, DTH operators and HITS operators over the course of the last few weeks, the last being on 31 January, and all of them have confirmed that they are ready to migrate to the new tariff regime from 1 February 2019.

Lauding its own efforts, TRAI said that a large number of subscribers have exercised their options and their choices have been recorded by service providers which must be processed on priority basis. For those who have not yet chosen, a smooth migration plan needs to be made and their choices must be taken from a variety of means such as mobile apps, SMS, website or direct communication through LCOs.

Answering a question on additional TV connections by a customer, the TRAI directed them to follow the rules of Rs 130 as network fee for 100 SD channels and slabs of 25 channels with a cap of Rs 20. Any other discounts can be made within these caps but need to be uniform in the market.

TRAI reiterated that consumers are free to choose both FTA and pay channels on a-la-carte or combination and any forceful measures on the end of the provider must be brought to the authority’s notice.

The release also states: “Subscribers may note that the new regime empowers them to change their choices whenever they desire with maximum lock-in period of one month. The subscribers can always request their DPOs to modify their selection even after choosing any package at present.”