(2 September 2008 7:00 pm)

NEW DELHI: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has directed broadcasters to submit to the regulator the details of tariff applicable to the commercial cable subscribers on half-yearly basis ending June and December. They will also have to mention changes, whenever made, in the applicable tariff at any time during the next six months.

Earlier, broadcasters were required to submit monthly reports. But broadcasters pointed out to the sector regulator that this exercise was unnecessary as the commercial tariffs do not normally change on a monthly basis.

Trai has asked the broadcasters to furnish the details on the 7th day of the month following the end of six months period. The first such report on half-yearly basis for the period ending on 31 December 2008 will, thus, have to be submitted by 7 January 2009.

Broadcasters will have to send a report regarding the the changes made in tariff at any time after the date of furnishing of half-yearly within seven days from the date of every such change. Report on similar lines and within the same time limits as indicated above should be sent regarding details of tariff in respect of Public Viewing Areas (PVAs), Trai said.