News TRAI may regulate subscription charges for HD channels

[IndianMascot]

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) is planning to review the freedom given to direct-to-home (DTH) service providers in deciding subscription charges for high definition (or HD) channels.

There are about 40 HD channels in the country and DTH operators charge premium for them compared to normal quality channels (standard definition or SD).

"Trai is mulling reviewing forbearance regime on HD channels. Consultation paper on the same will be floated next month," an official source told PTI.

The telecom and broadcast regulatory body has not found much difference between SD and HD viewing experience, the source added.

"There is also little difference in number of advertisements between the two," the official said.

In 2013, Trai had issued directions that TV channels should show only 12 minutes of advertisements in an hour-long programme but the same has been challenged by industry. The matter is sub-judice.


Trai may regulate subscription charges for HD channels - Business Today

 

[NinadG]

Trai & govt should think of the future trends, act & frame policies instead of keep thinking & allowing stake-holders to rob customers.........Just like it happened in case of 2G....3G.& again ..4G...........

 

[IndianMascot]

As we were discussing in some other thread, there must be some regulation to check price of HD as well as SD channels.

 

[NinadG]

Also Trai / govt should define the meaning of SD / HD channels......otherwise we would keep getting HD which is SD in other countries.............

 

[DashMajor]

I think we should not paying any HD Access Fee and HD Add Ons to get those channels simply those HD channels should available to the base pack that would be the concept.

 

[IndianMascot]

After some regulation, we may think of such restriction from TRAI side.

 

[DashMajor]

Atleast 2,3 HD channels from starter pack and if DTH wants to recover money then should allow them to go for more carriage fee channels or instruct broadcasters not to sell HD channel individually.

 

[IndianMascot]

1st and foremost thing is HD Access Fee should be banned and abolished.

 

[DashMajor]

And I hope TRAI at least not disappoints in this matter.

 

[Technoglitch]

HD access fee is the concept of one dth and most stupid as well as complicated one.