TRAI Find Six Cable Operators Violating New Tariff Order

Telecom industry regulator TRAI said six cable operators including Siti Networks, Hathway and DEN are violating the new tariff order pertaining to cable TV subscription. The regulator Wednesday sent notices to these operators and also asked them to comply with the order within five days.

The six cable operators that violated the TRAI guidelines are Siti Networks, Hathaway Digital, GTPL Hathway, Fastway Transmission, Den Networks and IndusInd Media and Communications.

The regulator said it has received complaints from consumers that these operators are forcing subscribers to choose channels and packs, do not allow the consumers to delete channels from their subscribed packs and do not provide printed bills of payment to their subscribers.

In case of Hathway Digital, Trai found that it is offering a bouquet of TV channels which contain both free-to-air and pay channels. It found that Hathway Digital has disconnected pay channels of customers who have paid advance amount for one year without their consent and only showing them FTA channels.

In case of IndusInd Media, subscribers have complained the regulator that the DTH provider is overcharging them for channels in the name of services charges.

TRAI also said that when verified these complaints appeared to be true and the regulator asked these DPOs to adhere to the guidelines within five days.

"The Authority directs (the DPOs) to resolve the issues and adhere to the various provisions of Tariff Order, 2017 and to report compliance as per the new regulatory framework within (05) days from the date of issue of this direction,' TRAI said.

Trai has unveiled the new tariff order and regulatory regime, effective February 1, for the broadcast and cable sector to facilitate consumers to opt for channels they wish to view and pay only for them.  It had said every channel should be offered a la carte, with a transparent display of rates on electronic programme guide.