TRAI has mandated that only channels priced above Rs. 12 will be permitted in a bouquet offered by broadcasters. The regulatory body has also reduced the maximum NCF charge to Rs. 130 (excluding taxes) for 200 channels. Moreover, no DPO will charge more than Rs. 160 per month for providing access to channels on their platform.
Regarding the discounts offered by broadcasters for bouquet and a-la-carte channels, TRAI has issued the following two norms:
1) The total value of paid a-la-carte channels in a bouquet should not be more than 1.5 times the price of a bouquet in which such channels are included.
2) The a-la-carte price of each paid channel in a bouquet should not be more than 3 times the average price of a paid channel in any bouquet that offers similar channels.
Highlights:
- TRAI mandates a maximum NCF of Rs.130 for 200 channels
- Maximum 40 per cent NCF will be applicable for second TV connection
- DPOs can now charge a maximum carriage fee of Rs. 4,00,000 per month
Multi TV NCF Charges Reduced as Well
Moving on, Trai also addressed the high Multi TV charges being taken by the DPOs. Earlier in 2019, Trai said that the operators have the full freedom of providing a discount on NCF for Multi TV users. This made Tata Sky charges full NCF of Rs 153 from every Multi TV user. This made the consumers highlight huge charges taken by DPOs in the form of NCF for a Multi TV home.
As part of the new amendments, Trai has decided that the operators will charge a maximum 40% of declared NCF for second and additional TV connections. Authority has also permitted DPOs to offer discounts on long term subscriptions which is for six months or more.
When Will the New Amendments Come into Place?
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has also confirmed that the broadcasters should revise the prices of their a-la-carte channels by January 15, 2020. DTH and Cable TV operators are required to publish the revised a-la-carte and bouquets on their website by January 30, 2020. Consumers will be able to benefit as per the amendments from March 1, 2020.
