Direct-to-home (DTH) operators and broadcasters are divided over broadcasting regulator Telecom Regulatory Authority of India's (Trai) proposal of fixing DTH tariffs, with the latter opposing the move saying that market should be allowed to decide that.
While DTH operators say that tariff structures need to be rationalised by the Trai, which also regulates the DTH industry, broadcasters feel the move would be counter-productive.
"There is an urgent need to establish an effective and transparent tariff regime in order to support the orderly growth of the broadcasting sector," TataSky said in comments on Trai's consultation paper. Trai is holding an open house meeting here tomorrow on the issue.
Sharing the same view, Dish TV said that since the DTH industry is still in a nascent stage, bringing in uniformity in tariffs is imperative to ensure that broadcasters do not discriminate. Reliance BIG TV and Airtel DTH raised similar concerns and have supported the DTH fraternity.
Trai had invited the views of the industry and stakeholders on carriage fee (which DTH operators charge broadcasters), and tariffs of broadcasters and operators. Questions on a cap on carriage fee have also been raised in the paper.
