Cable operators across south India will switch off their signals for a day on Thursday to protest against TRAI’s new tariff order, which they say will affect both consumers and the cable operators’ ecosystem.
The shutdown will begin at 6 a.m. on January 24 and will end only at 10 p.m. across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry, cable operators said. Among the principal demands of the operators is the reduction of the GST slab from 18% to 5%, reworking the distribution commission and fixing of channel rates by TRAI.
“Under the new tariff rules, the broadcaster will get 80% of the revenue, while MSOs will get 20%. How can any MSO run with a commission of 20%, while taking care of the fibre optic network, employees salaries, headends, call centres and other allied activities,” asked P. Sakilan of TCCL.
Mr. Sakilan told The Hindu that the local cable operators need to get a minimum of ₹130 per connection. “The new tariff order is in favour of the broadcasters. Cable operators distribution commission must be at least 50%. Also, TRAI should fix the tariff rates for all channels, than allowing channel owners to dictate the price. TRAI cannot just say a particular rate is the maximum cap for each channel,” he said.
Raising awareness
The one-day total shutdown was mainly to raise awareness among the public as their cable subscription rates would go up, he added. Earlier in the day, cable operators, addressing a press conference said TRAI had to immediately put on hold the new tariff order for at least six months and hold consultations with all stakeholders before announcing any such measures.
