MUMBAI: After IndusInd Media and Communications Ltd, Digicable is the second big multi-system operator (MSO) to move the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (Tdsat) against Trai’s tariff order for digital addressable systems.
Digicable has approached the broadcast tribunal opposing the sector regulator’s new revenue sharing mechanism.
Digicable has, in its petition, said that Trai’s (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) tariff order is "unjust, unfair, unreasonable, arbitrary, irrational, and discriminatory" and is tilted towards the broadcasters.
As per Trai’s tariff order, charges collected from the subscription of paid channels or bouquet of paid channels shall be shared in the ratio of 65:35 between MSO and the local cable operator respectively.
Digicable has requested Tdsat to strike down the revenue model.
Tdsat has already heard IMCL’s petition and has put off the case for next hearing. It has also allowed news channels and their association NBA and India Broadcast Foundation (IBF) to be a party supporting Trai in the matter.
The local cable operators (LCOs) are also opposing the Trai tariff order. United Cable Operator’s Welfare Association, New Delhi, has approached the Tdsat seeking better revenue share from the MSOs and an extension in date for digitisation.
Meanwhile, the deadline for the first phase of digitisation in the four metros has already been postponed for four months to 1 November.
Also Read:
Tdsat puts off IMCL’s plea against Trai’s tariff order to 25 August, makes b’casters party
IndusInd Media moves Tdsat against Trai’s tariff order
