TRAI asks DTH operator Independent TV to explain tariff plans

TRAI asks DTH operator Independent TV to explain tariff plans

TRAI received many complaints about the DTH operator’s tariff plans

TRAI

MUMBAI: Telecom regulatory authority of India (TRAI), in a letter, has asked direct-to-home (DTH) operator Independent TV to explain whether tariff plans offered by it are as per the new regulatory framework.

TRAI swung into action in the matter after it received several consumer complaints about the opaque nature of the break-up of Independent TV’s monthly tariff plans.

“...You are hereby directed to provide all the information in the prescribed format as sought by TRAI.... Further you are also required to provide detailed justification that the present tariff plans, being offered by Independent TV are in line with the new regulatory framework clearly indicating the bifurcation of the Network Capacity Fee and other charges,” TRAI wrote in a letter, according to a report by news agency Press Trust of India (PTI).

TRAI now wants the DTH platform, which is believed to have 0.83 million subscribers, to come clean on the consumer complaints.

Recently, TRAI extended the deadline for consumers to select television channels under its new tariff regime till 31 March.

Subscribers that don’t opt for new channels would be moved to ‘Best Fit Plans’, which would be developed as per usage pattern, language and channel popularity, the sector regulator said in its statement.