Mumbai: Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has published its new reference interconnection offer (RIO) issued under telecommunications (broadcasting and cable) services interconnection (addressable systems) regulations, 2017 for all distribution platforms.

The RIO is subject to the final outcome of the special leave petition filed by the company before the Supreme Court. The new channel rate card will be effective from 1 December.

According to the rate card, SPNI channels including Hindi GECs Sony Sab, SET, English sports channels Sony Ten 1, Sony Ten 2, and HD channels SET HD, Hindi movie channel Max HD, Sab HD, sports channels Ten 1 HD, Ten 2 HD, Ten 3 HD, Six HD, and Telugu and Tamil sports channel Ten 4 HD have an MRP greater than Rs 12.

As per the new tariff regime 2.0 order, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has mandated that a channel’s MRP must not exceed Rs 12 for it to be included in any bouquet. The aforementioned channels will not be part of any of the 12 bouquets offered by SPNI.

The implementation of the new tariff order 2.0 has been halted as broadcasters under the aegis of the Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF) have challenged the Trai order in the Supreme Court. The final hearing on the matter is scheduled for 30 November.