TRAI seeks financial details from stakeholders in non-CAS areas tariff issue
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has initiated consultation process on the issue of tariff for cable TV services in non-CAS areas. As part of this process, TRAI has asked stakeholders to provide information related to audited financial data and break-up of key revenues and costs, as well as insights into their operating models.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has initiated consultation process on the issue of tariff for cable TV services in non-CAS areas. To obtain a realistic understanding of the financials and the operation of various stakeholders, the regulator has sought information on the following key areas before issuing the consultation paper on the subject:
1. Audited financial data and break-up of key revenues and costs
2. Insights into the operating model
3. Factors determining key payments being made by various stakeholders in the current supply chain
4. Issues in the current market scenario and their impact on the business
This follows the Supreme Court order dated May 13, 2009, which directed TRAI to consider the matter relating to tariff for cable TV services in non-CAS areas de novo as regards all aspects. The Court also directed all stakeholders to co-operate in this exercise.
Accordingly, TRAI has prepared the formats for collecting information from various stakeholders such as broadcasters, aggregators (that is, authorised distributors of the broadcasters), DTH operators, multi system operators, cable operators and consumers.
The stakeholders are required to submit the information in the prescribed format by August 17, 2009, preferably in the electronic form with TRAI.
