MUMBAI: The Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) has allowed Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) to audit the conditional access systems (CASs) and Subscriber Management Systems (SMSs) of two multi system operators (MSOs) DigiCablecomm Services India Pvt. Ltd. and Multi Reach Media Pvt. Ltd.

For the first time, post the roll-out of Telecom Authority of India’s new tariff order, a broadcaster has been allowed to audit Systems of operators. The order has directed the defaulting operators to pay their acknowledged dues to SPN.

The TDSAT order also stated that the operators would have to the differential amount to SPN in case of any post-audit discrepancies.

Earlier in the month, Multi Reach Media and Digicablecomm Services were part of a group of distribution platform operators (DPOs) that were pulled up by the TRAI for not adhering to all provisions of its news tariff order. GTPL Kolkata Cable & Broadband Pariseva, Barasat Cable TV Network and Bhorer Alo Cable & Broadband were the other three.

“Report compliance as per the new regulatory framework within 5 days from the date of issue of this direction,” ordered the regulator.

Based on receipt of complaints and inspection of DPOs’ websites and consumer premises by TRAI officials, the following issues were observed by the regulator.

Multi Reach Media

- The said DPO is not offering subscriber corner facility in their website

- The call centre of the DPO does not support IVRS

- The said DPO is not publishing STB schemes on their website

- Customer care programming service is yet to be offered by the DPO

- The said DPO is forcefully offering a bouquet of free-to-air channels with no choice to subscribers.

Digicablecomm Services

- The said DPO is not offering Subscriber Corner facility on their website

- The call centre of the DPO does not support IVRS

- Customer care programming service is yet to be offered by the DPO

- Subscribers are not able to choose any channel of their choice in BST

TRAI has continuously monitored the implementation process of its new tariff order across the spectrum. In the last few weeks the sector regulator has rapped several direct-to-home operators as well for not abiding by all the provisions of the new regulatory framewor