Cable channels to go off air in phases in Kolkata
Subhro Niyogi | TNN | Dec 27, 2018, 06:14 IST
Cable Operators protest in front of Bharat Bhavan on WednesdayKOLKATA: Barely two days before the December 29 deadline, there’s good news for cable channel subscribers. For the shift from buffet-based cable television viewing to choosing pay channels a la carte, multi system operators (MSOs), as well as local cable operators (LCOs), have been pushing for a phased shut down to enable smoother migration. Industry watchdog Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) on Wednesday allayed viewers’ fears of a blackout on television by advising all stakeholders to continue beaming content till it announces a new migration plan.
With time fast running out and viewers’ anxiety brimming over, Trai convened an urgent meeting of stakeholders at its office in Delhi on Wednesday afternoon to finalize the migration plan that is likely to be announced on Thursday or Friday.
Fears of pay TV channels going off air from December 29 was looming large over millions of homes that are yet to decide on their choices. In Bengal, not even 1% of 1.2 crore cable homes are prepared for the shift while in Kolkata, only 2% of 30 lakh subscribers have made up their mind.
TOI had earlier reported that representations had been made to Trai seeking shutdown of channels according to different genre with the least popular being shut first and the most popular being shut last.
“The deadline remains. But instead of all pay channels being switched off, Trai may announce the shutdown of music channels first, followed by movies five days later with sports, news, general entertainment and kids’ channels being the last to go. This will allow subscribers ample opportunity to select channels in the genre that is shut down while continuing to view other channels,” said Suresh Sethia of SitiCable, the largest MSO operating in Kolkata and rest of the state.
The news came as a huge relief to LCOs who had trooped down to the Kolkata office of Trai on Wednesday afternoon and demanded the deadline for switchover be pushed back to avoid inconveniencing viewers and prevent possible law-andorder issues.
“If all pay channels shut down, consumers will protest and we will be at the receiving end. With lakhs of homes dependent on cable TV for their daily dose of entertainment, a blackout would have definitely caused trouble. We are glad Trai has considered our plea,” said Ideal Cable Operators Association president Tapash Das.
LCOs have also made representations to Trai seeking a more equitable distribution of subscription fee among LCOs, MSOs and broadcasters.
“In the new tariff order, the lion’s share goes to the broadcaster while the cable operator gets pittance. This will wipe out small operators. Broadcasters enjoy 100% of the earnings from advertisement. Why can’t MSOs and operators get a bigger share of the subscription pie?” questioned Das. Around 40-50% of 25,000-odd operators in Bengal and 9,000 operators in Kolkata fall in this category.
Operators are also urging Trai to move the finance ministry for a lower GST of 5% for cable viewing in rural areas against the 18% flat rate in cities, towns and villages.
With time fast running out and viewers’ anxiety brimming over, Trai convened an urgent meeting of stakeholders at its office in Delhi on Wednesday afternoon to finalize the migration plan that is likely to be announced on Thursday or Friday.
Fears of pay TV channels going off air from December 29 was looming large over millions of homes that are yet to decide on their choices. In Bengal, not even 1% of 1.2 crore cable homes are prepared for the shift while in Kolkata, only 2% of 30 lakh subscribers have made up their mind.
TOI had earlier reported that representations had been made to Trai seeking shutdown of channels according to different genre with the least popular being shut first and the most popular being shut last.
“The deadline remains. But instead of all pay channels being switched off, Trai may announce the shutdown of music channels first, followed by movies five days later with sports, news, general entertainment and kids’ channels being the last to go. This will allow subscribers ample opportunity to select channels in the genre that is shut down while continuing to view other channels,” said Suresh Sethia of SitiCable, the largest MSO operating in Kolkata and rest of the state.
The news came as a huge relief to LCOs who had trooped down to the Kolkata office of Trai on Wednesday afternoon and demanded the deadline for switchover be pushed back to avoid inconveniencing viewers and prevent possible law-andorder issues.
“If all pay channels shut down, consumers will protest and we will be at the receiving end. With lakhs of homes dependent on cable TV for their daily dose of entertainment, a blackout would have definitely caused trouble. We are glad Trai has considered our plea,” said Ideal Cable Operators Association president Tapash Das.
LCOs have also made representations to Trai seeking a more equitable distribution of subscription fee among LCOs, MSOs and broadcasters.
“In the new tariff order, the lion’s share goes to the broadcaster while the cable operator gets pittance. This will wipe out small operators. Broadcasters enjoy 100% of the earnings from advertisement. Why can’t MSOs and operators get a bigger share of the subscription pie?” questioned Das. Around 40-50% of 25,000-odd operators in Bengal and 9,000 operators in Kolkata fall in this category.
Operators are also urging Trai to move the finance ministry for a lower GST of 5% for cable viewing in rural areas against the 18% flat rate in cities, towns and villages.
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