Will fix tariffs in non-CAS areas by May 30: TRAI to SC

Telecom regulator TRAI, which is doubling as broadcasting regulator too, has informed the Supreme Court that it would complete fixing tariffs for cable and TV operators in areas not having conditional access system by May 30, an official said.

"We have fixed a time-frame of May 30, by which we will be able to complete the exercise," Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) Member R N Prabhakar told reporters here on the sidelines of the 7th International Conference on VAS (Value Added Services) today.

The apex court on Monday had issued directions to the Authority to complete the exercise of fixing tariffs for cable TV operators in non-conditional access system areas by June 30, 2010.

The regulator has asked various stake holders-- broadcasters, cable TV operators and DTH service providers-- to disclose their financial and operational details to enable it to give recommendations on the issue, Prabhakar said.

"We have received information from some stakeholders but not all. We have requested the Supreme Court to issue directions to all stakeholders to co-operate with TRAI," he said.

Prabhakar said the regulator has also informed the apex court that even if it does not get the complete data by that time, it would go ahead with whatever is available.

The information that the regulator has sought from stakeholders includes financial data details, insights into operating models, factors determining key payments made in the current supply-chain and issues in the market scenario and their impact on business.