PUNE: “Around 2.5 lakh cable TV subscribers in Pune city could face blackout on implementation of new TRAI order from January 1, 2019, as the new bouquet packaging is not yet ready, which has left inadequate time for the cable operators to approach each subscriber and get their choices,” said Prachi Shah of Pune Cable Operators’ Association during media interaction at Patrakar Bhavan on Saturday.
Shah slammed TRAI stating that this insensitive policy has been formulated without consulting Cable TV operators as well as subscribers and has far-reaching implications.
“We presently provide over 350 channels for Rs 300 to Rs 450. Post implementation of this policy, the subscriber will have to shell out Rs 130 plus GST for watching obligatory 100 Free to Air (FTA) channels,” Shah said.
“Additional channels can be viewed separately by paying for bouquet package (under preparation) and /or A La Carte option,” Shah said.
Cable TV provides the most affordable option for many middle and low-income families.
Rural subscribers are receiving the same channels at almost half the rate but from January 1, there will be no distinction between urban and rural subscribers. Many rural subscribers will be forced to curtail their only medium of entertainment.
She added that Pune has around 1,000 registered cable operators. The small cable operators are likely to be hit the hardest, as the business will become unviable and hundreds of families will be affected. In the interest of the subscribers, Pune Cable Operators’ Association is filing a petition in Mumbai High Court next week.
Dhairyasheel Jagtap, President of the Association, said the subscriber was extended concession during installation of additional connections in the past but now, each set-top box connection will be charged at full price.
NEW TRAI POLICY
- Implementation: From January 1
- Rs 130 plus GST for 100 FTA channels
- Additional Channels - Bouquet & A La Carte
- No concession on an additional connection
- Many small operators may shut the business
TRAI policy can spell doom for city’s 2.5L subscribers
