DTH operators are currently in the process of implementing reducing prices for channels from the broadcasters. Tata Sky was the first operator to introduce the reduced channel prices to its customers, followed by Sun Direct. Now, Airtel Digital TV and D2h also implemented the same as the new channel prices are already effective on both the mobile app and web portal. Additionally, both the DTH operators are updating the prices of the channels automatically on the customer's account, removing the hassle of removing & adding every channel separately to get the new price. It's a nice move from DTH operators this time around. With this, Dish TV is the only operator left out to implement the new prices from broadcasters, but according to our sources, the company is in the process of making the final leg changes, so Dish TV customers can also opt for some popular channels at affordable prices.
Airtel Digital TV and D2h Channel Prices Updated: Check the New Prices
Major broadcasters like Sony Pictures India, Zee Entertainment, Star India and Viacom 18 have reduced the prices of their a-la-carte paid channels. Some of these channels include Viacom 18's Colors whose price is now reduced to Rs 12. In additional, Colors Kannada and GEC Hindi channels received a price cut too. Zee Entertainment has reduced the prices of individual regional channels like Zee TV, Zee Marathi, Zee Bangla, Zee Telugu, Zee Kannada and Zee Sarthak and they're now available at Rs 12.
Besides, Star India also slashed prices of its popular channels by Rs 7 to make them more affordable at Rs 12. Most of the channels which received price cut were retailing for Rs 19 and a price drop of Rs 7 comes as a major relief to the customers who were complaining increased TV bills under the new Trai tariff regime. As noted, Tata Sky and Sun Direct customers are already enjoying the channels at reduced prices. D2h and Airtel Digital TV customers can now see the reduced prices effective on their TV screens while viewing the channels. Airtel Digital TV individually confirmed to TelecomTalk that the new prices will become effective from October 18.
As for a reason behind price cut, broadcasters wanted more viewers to subscribe to their channels during the festive season.
Does the Price Cut on Popular Channels Make an Effect in the Industry?
DTH and Cable TV subscribers have been complaining about increased monthly TV bills ever since the new tariff regime became effective. Even Trai admitted the issue and said it would examine every possible way to bring down the prices. As part of the changes, Trai may bring a new discount cap to the broadcaster packs which they introduce. In its consultation paper, Trai highlighted that broadcasters are launching way too may channel packs to the customers which resulted in redundancy and confusion at the same time.
Under the new changes which will become effective very soon, broadcasters may have to add a discount cap of at least 15% of every paid a-la-carte channel to bring the prices down. This will keep them away from launching more and more broadcaster.
And the current price reduction on popular channels will come as a relief to many out there and even broadcasters may feel the same. If a subscriber has five channels which received the price cut, then the overall monthly bill comes down by Rs 35, which isn't a small number at all. The final operator to implement this change would be Dish TV and it will happen by the end of today.
