MUMBAI: In the matter of the new Tariff Order and Interconnection Regulations as notified by TRAI in March 2017, the Supreme Court has today upheld the jurisdiction of TRAI to frame the above mentioned regulations. It may be recalled that the issue of TRAI jurisdiction was subsequently challenged by Star India and Vijay Television in the Supreme Court after their appeal to Madras High Court was turned down by 3rd judge, Hon’ble Mr. Justice M.M. Sundresh.

This marks a new era for the Broadcasting sector and also the end of a long wait for the new framework to finally get effectuated. Most service providers have already started working towards meeting the timelines as specified by TRAI in their circular dated 3rd July 2018.

Mr. Rajan Gupta, President of AIDCF, while welcoming the judgement of the Hon’ble Supreme Court said that - “This is the watershed moment we have all been waiting for.

We feel that the new framework will bring in much needed transparency, parity, promote exercising of choice for the consumer and ensure orderly growth of the sector. The onus is now on all service providers to put their best foot forward and keep consumer interest in mind by complying with the required initial timelines and activities at the earliest.”

ABOUT All India Digital Cable Federation (AIDCF) is India’s apex body for Digital Multi System Operators (MSOs). The federation works towards the overall growth of the sector and creates an environment for not only complete digitisation of cable TV under regulatory guidelines but also delivers the benefits of digital services including broadband and other value added services to the people of India thus fulfilling the dream of ‘True Digital India.’

AIDCF is the official voice for the Indian digital cable TV industry and interacts with ministries, policy makers, regulators, financial institutions and technical bodies. It also provides a platform for discussion and exchange of ideas between these bodies and the service providers, who share a common interest in the development of digital cable TV in the country. It also collaborates with other industry associations such as IBF, CII, FICCI, ASSOCHAM association etc., with the objective of presenting an industry consensus view to the government on crucial issues relating to the growth and development of the industry.

Members of AIDCF have a market share of more than 75% in the Cable TV Industry.