Reliance Big TV clears dues to Antrix; to resume service shortly

Reliance Big TV clears dues to Antrix; to resume service shortly

Reliance Big TV

MUMBAI: Direct-to-home (DTH) operator Reliance Big TV (RBTV) today settled its dues of Rs 28 crore to Antrix Corpo (Antrix) thereby ensuring the immediate resumption of services. The Telecom Disputes Settlement & Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT)'s order has asked Antrix to reinstate RBTV’s services today, according to Pantel Technologies MD Vijender Singh. Pantel had earlier taken over the DTH biz of Anil Amabni Reliance ADA.

RBTV was using satellite operator MEASAT’s transponders for providing the DTH service. DTH operators in India have to go through Antrix for hiring transponders even from foreign satellite operators.

Acknowledging the development, Singh said, “This is a win for us. We will resume the services of RBTV shortly.”

Earlier this month, Antrix had disconnected the transponder service to the DTH operator over non-renewal of agreement and non-payment of outstanding dues. As a result, beginning 15 April, RBTV’s DTH service had come to a standstill. The Rs 28 crore covers the period from October 2017 onwards.

Last month, the DTH operator, which is now owned by Pantel Technologies and Veecon Television and Media, had asked for grant of one more opportunity on the assurance that it would abide by the time schedule fixed by the TDSAT. The DTH operator had also said that Antrix would be at the liberty to disconnect the service in case of any default.

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