Among the issues discussed were the definition as to who exactly is a commercial subscriber and the manner of categorisation of such subscribers. Apart from these, the manner of offering broadcast and cable TV services to commercial subscribers and the tariffs were also discussed.
Among those present at the open house discussion were representatives of broadcasters, cable TV and DTH operators and hospitality-sector bodies along with TRAI members RK Arnold and Vijaylakshmy Gupta and senior officials.
On the issue of definition of commercial subscribers, representatives of the broadcasters suggested that those who are not domestic subscribers should be considered commercial subscribers.
Another participant averred that the TRAI Act or the Cable TV Act does not distinguish between consumers. It was also suggested that consumers' interests should be kept in mind before any decision is taken and a special session could be convened to obtain their views.
Broadcasters argued that they had to pay for creation of content and that different charges for commercial use is prevalent for services like water and electricity. Others, however, said that channels charge for advertisements and good content automatically results in more advertisements, thus compensating the broadcaster.