MUMBAI: With just a week for the new tariff order to kick in, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on Thursday revealed that nearly 40 per cent of the consumers have already exercised their options under the new regulatory framework.

The regulator also expressed its satisfaction over the progress made by all stakeholders in order to adapt to the new norms.

In the last month, TRAI has conducted frequent meetings with DPOs and broadcasters to oversee all implementation plans. The regulator has noted that all service providers have offered a consumer care channel on TV Channel Number 999, consumer corner on their website, started a Call Centre, released mobile apps and updated EPG displaying the MRP of each channel.

The stakeholders have also made arrangements to receive options of subscribers using various methods.

TRAI on its part has carried out an extensive consumer awareness program. The regulator has been proactively educating consumers through various means like social media and SMS. 

It has also launched a web portal to help consumers to select the channels of their choice and estimate their monthly bill.  A facility has also been provided to take a print out of the  TV Channels selected or download the file so that the same can be sent to the TV service provider to facilitate exercising of the subscriber option.

However, the regulator in its latest press note singled out one DTH for non-cooperation.

“Authority has been receiving hundreds of complaints intimating that one of the  DTH (Direct to  home)   service provider is  not  providing options to its   subscribers  to    exercise   their   choices   and   providing   misleading information in  regard to  implementation of  new  framework. The Authority has taken up the matter. The said DTH operator has assured in writing that they will be complying with the new regulatory framework and will make the options available for obtaining the consumers choice. The  Authority assures all  the  subscribers that all  efforts are  being made to ensure that there is no inconvenience or  any  disruption of TV services due to  the   migration to  the new  regulatory regime,” it said.

 TRAI’s note also went on to add that Multi Systems Operators (MSOs) in far-flung areas and smaller towns are yet to implement the new regulatory framework in letter and spirit.

Despite the strides made by all parties involved, the regulator has yet again directed all broadcasters and DPOs to comply with the new regulatory framework.