Stakeholders ask TRAI for DPO rights to make channel bouquets

In a continuous fight for a level playing field in the industry, cable operators, DTH and broadcasters met TRAI Chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti recently where all stakeholders raised concerns over the consultation paper 'Review of Regulatory Framework for Broadcasting and Cable Services’.

As per sources, certain broadcasters have advocated for TRAI to enact tariff forbearance to bolster the competitiveness of the pay-TV sector vis-à-vis emerging and established platforms such as OTT and DD Free Dish.

At the recent open house discussion held by TRAI to address issues in the consultation paper 'Review of Regulatory Framework for Broadcasting and Cable Services’, stakeholders brought attention to the regulatory disparity between the declining pay TV business, which is subject to regulations, and the unregulated OTT business.

While the cable industry urged the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to restore the right of DPOs to make channel bouquets, DTH players sought a level playing field with OTT players with a similar regulatory framework in terms of licensing.

“We sought restoration of DPOs right to make channel bouquets, which is currently with the broadcasters and removal of the 45% discount cap imposed by TRAI on broadcasters while pricing their bouquet of pay channels over the sum of MRPs,” said a source from the cable industry.

Cable operators argue that the 45% discount cap limits their ability to negotiate favourable deals with broadcasters, particularly in scenarios where they may have to carry a large number of channels to meet subscriber demands. They believe that this limitation can negatively affect their profitability and operational flexibility.

The regulatory body has now asked all stakeholders to make their final submissions by April 25 after which a decision will be taken.