New rules leave cable TV customers in the lurch
TNN | Mar 1, 2019, 04:40 ISTMangaluru: On February 24, Ramesh, a cricket freak, quickly wound up his office work and rushed home so he could catch all the action from the India-Australia T-20I game. However, he was shocked to see channel telecasting the match blanked out owing to the new set of rules introduced by Trai.
Most cable TV customers in Dakshina Kannada feel they are left in the lurch as they are deprived of their favourite television shows and live sporting action, with cable operators not keeping their customers abreast with complete details on the changes. Most customers are clueless about the new rules and end up getting duped by their operators.
“Earlier, I used to get all Malayalam and Kannada channels, in addition to a good number of news, cartoon and entertainment channels, all for Rs 300. Now, I am compelled to pay an additional Rs 31 only for Malayalam and Kannada channels minus other news and entertainment channels,” Vinay, a customer said.
“The cable operator has given us forms to choose channels weeks ago. However, he has not collected back the forms. Because of this, I have been paying the same amount I used to pay earlier. However, I do not get any of the channels I wish to watch,” rued Jay, a customer from Sullia.
As per the Trai (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) order, the customer has the freedom to choose 100 Standard Definition channels of his choice within the network capacity fee of maximum Rs 130. The desired channels could be in A-Ia-carte Free to Air (FTA) channels or pay channels or a bouquet of pay channels or any combination thereof, the choice of which rests with the customer. The GST slab of 18% will be applicable for Rs 130 basic pack.
However, customers have been complaining that cable operators have arm-twisted them.
Vishwas Das, a multi-system operator, said they are unable to provide channels as earlier as the same would cost at least Rs 600. “We have to undergo auditing at least thrice a month. Because of this, we are compelled to switch off most boxes and relay only those channels that are feasible. The new Trai rules have got our business running on thin ice,” he said.
Customers will continue to face the issue as according to Das, the operators do not see a way out.
Most cable TV customers in Dakshina Kannada feel they are left in the lurch as they are deprived of their favourite television shows and live sporting action, with cable operators not keeping their customers abreast with complete details on the changes. Most customers are clueless about the new rules and end up getting duped by their operators.
“Earlier, I used to get all Malayalam and Kannada channels, in addition to a good number of news, cartoon and entertainment channels, all for Rs 300. Now, I am compelled to pay an additional Rs 31 only for Malayalam and Kannada channels minus other news and entertainment channels,” Vinay, a customer said.
“The cable operator has given us forms to choose channels weeks ago. However, he has not collected back the forms. Because of this, I have been paying the same amount I used to pay earlier. However, I do not get any of the channels I wish to watch,” rued Jay, a customer from Sullia.
As per the Trai (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) order, the customer has the freedom to choose 100 Standard Definition channels of his choice within the network capacity fee of maximum Rs 130. The desired channels could be in A-Ia-carte Free to Air (FTA) channels or pay channels or a bouquet of pay channels or any combination thereof, the choice of which rests with the customer. The GST slab of 18% will be applicable for Rs 130 basic pack.
However, customers have been complaining that cable operators have arm-twisted them.
Vishwas Das, a multi-system operator, said they are unable to provide channels as earlier as the same would cost at least Rs 600. “We have to undergo auditing at least thrice a month. Because of this, we are compelled to switch off most boxes and relay only those channels that are feasible. The new Trai rules have got our business running on thin ice,” he said.
Customers will continue to face the issue as according to Das, the operators do not see a way out.
more from times of india Cities
LATEST VIDEOS
All Comments ()+^ Back to Top
Refrain from posting comments that are obscene, defamatory or inflammatory, and do not indulge in personal attacks, name calling or inciting hatred against any community. Help us delete comments that do not follow these guidelines by marking them offensive. Let's work together to keep the conversation civil.
HIDE