In a far-reaching decision ensuring delivery of quality channels at the DTH subscriber home, the telecom regulator has directed all broadcasters not to compel DTH operators to buy the entire bouquet of channels but let them pick what they thin k are the best.
The new regulation brought out on Monday (today) by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) could intensify the survival struggle of less-performing, or the new channels, which have been piggy-riding the popular channels in the bouquet offered b y the broadcaster.
The Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable Services) Interconnection (Fourth Amendment) Regulation 2007, coming in force from December 1, allows broadcasters to sell the bouquet only in addition to the a la carte choice of the DTH service providers.
The new regulation aims to resolve the ongoing tussle between the broadcaster and DTH operator where the latter had been protesting against taking less popular, even flop channels along with the hit ones in a bouquet.
“All broadcasters will compulsorily offer all their channels on a la carte basis to DTH operators,” the new regulation says. “Additionally, they may also offer bouquets, but they will not compel any DTH operator to include the entire bouquet in any pack age being offered by DTH operators to their subscribers,” it adds.
