Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) will study issues relating to digitisation of cable television network in Tamil Nadu and see what can be done to protect the interests of the consumers, according to its Chairman R.S. Sharma.
Mr.Sharma made the assurance at a Consumer Outreach Programme here on Friday in response to complaints from consumers about excess fee collection by cable TV operators for supplying set top boxes of Arasu Cable TV Corporation.
“Digitisation of cable TV network has been completed across the country and it is under way in Tamil Nadu now after some delay due to legal issues. However there are some issues, typical to the State. We will see what can be done,” he later explained to reporters after the interactive session with the consumers hosted by TRAI’s Regional Office, Hyderabad.
Earlier, heated arguments were witnessed between the consumers and a few cable TV operators at the outreach programme. A section of consumers alleged that they were being asked to pay ₹500 and above by cable TV operators to get the set top boxes which they were supposed to receive free of cost. But a cable TV operator blamed the government for the situation, claiming that they were being asked to give an undertaking agreeing to pay up the cost of set top box in case the customer lost or failed to return it.
Mr. Sharma observed that there were multiple issues involved, including the question of ownership of set top box.
When pointed out that some telecom service providers were reportedly disconnecting services of their customers for failing to link their Aadhaar number with their mobile numbers, Mr. Sharma said the deadline had been extended to March 31 and no service provider could disconnect services to the customers. “If specific cases are brought to our notice, we will penalise the service provider,” he said.
