Sun, TataSky fail to resolve pricing differences

Differences on pricing of channels persisted between south India-based broadcaster Sun Group and DTH operator TataSky, which feels that rates quoted by Sun were fit for international channels but not regional.

The two parties failed to resolve the dispute through talks as suggested by Telecom Disputes Settlement And Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) on November 21. "Sun is not a channel like Star World, having universal appeal. Sun has dialect loyalty and would have limited appeal only," TataSky's counsel, Ramji Srinivasan, said during proceedings today.

Sun Group submitted that it has three divisions, Sun, Gemini and Udaya, with 14 channels in all on a-la carte basis at a price of Rs 85 per month.

To this, Srinivasan contended that Sun's 14 channels consisted of Kannada, Telgu and Tamil channels and it would be unfair for non-regional viewers.

TataSky also raised objection on the price demanded by Sun group for its free-to-air channels. Sun had demanded Rs 12 per channel and around Rs 6.25 for free-to-air channels.