TRAI introduces service norms for DTH operators

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has amended its regulations for direct-to-home (DTH) operators and prevented them from arbitrarily changing the mix of channels in subscription packages for consumers. TRAI has amended the Direct to Home Broadcasting Services (Standards of Quality of Service and Redressal of Grievances) Regulations 2007. It has introduced quality of service (QoS) guidelines that include no charges for repair and maintenance during the warranty period and a prior notice of 15 days before an operator can cut off a connection.

According to the new regulations, DTH operators cannot change the composition of subscription packages for the first six months of subscription or the period for which the package is valid, whichever is longer. If the DTH operator decides to drop a channel from any package, it should reduce the subscription fees for the consumer in proportion. The consumer can also be given the option of choosing another channel of the same genre and language in lieu of the dropped channel.

In addition, if a consumer requests the suspension of the DTH service for up to three months, the service provider has been asked to comply with the request. However, this will be applicable only on completion of the month in which the request is placed. DTH operators have been prohibited from charging any visiting, repair or maintenance fees on their equipment as long as it is under warranty. Earlier, TRAI had consulted the key stakeholders for their comments. Operators were against any regulation on the packaging of channels and said that they should have the freedom to frame their subscription packages and drop channels when required.

The Indian DTH system has grown rapidly, expanding from two DTH operators excluding Doordarshan in 2007 to five operators and 11 million subscribers. The regulator has introduced the new guidelines keeping in view the growing competition and rise in the number of subscribers.

Courtesy - Televisionpoint.com