The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has given an implementation plan for the New Regulatory Framework-2020 from 1st April 2022. “All distributors of television channels shall offer and obtain the option for subscription of new bouquets or channels from the subscribers in compliance with the provisions of New Regulatory Framework 2020 from 1st April 2022 services to the subscribers are provided as per the bouquets or channels opted by the subscribers” in a statement released by Arvind Kumar, Advisor (B&CS) said.
To the relief of broadcasters and DPOs (Distribution platform operators- DTH and cable operators, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has extended the deadline for the execution of the new broadcast sector tariff regulations (NTO 2.0) from December 1, 2021, to April 1, 2022.
As per the revised timelines, the new channel and bouquet pricing for consumers will come into effect on April 1, 2022. The latest communication from TRAI has instructed the broadcasters to file RIO or revised RIO (Reference Interconnect Offer) by December 31, 2021, which includes the MRP of their channels and bouquets, along with other terms and conditions of interconnect agreements. The broadcasters, who have already submitted the RIOs in compliance with NTO 2.0, can also revise and submit new RIOs by the same date.
The regulatory body instructed the DPOs to submit their distributor retail price (DRP) of channels and bouquets and other details by January 31st, 2022.
TRAI has given time to DPOs to obtain the consumers’ requests for subscriptions to channels of their choice between February 1, 2022, and March 31, 2022and to implement the new regulatory framework from April 1st, 2022.
In a letter to the stakeholders the regulatory body said, “In view of the complexities and magnitude of processes involved and keeping given the past experiences, it would be prudent that sufficient time should be given for migration of consumers to New Regulatory Framework 2020 to avoid any inconvenience to consumers.”
They further said that paucity of time should not come in the way of smooth implementation of the new regulatory framework in seeking informed choices of more than 150 million pay-TV consumers. Hence, sufficient time should be given to service providers to upgrade their IT systems and incorporate various channels/ bouquets before offering the same to consumers.
