Independent TV, the DTH operator which operates in North and Western parts of India, has a piece of sad news for its subscribers. The company which terminated services on June 15 claiming non-payment of dues to satellite providers now confirmed that the service resumption would happen only after July 3. Earlier, Independent TV stated the services would likely resume on June 22, but we're past that deadline now. The company has announced this news on microblogging website Twitter. This is extremely underwhelming from Independent TV as the subscribers are unable to view any television channels. That said, we might see another deadline extension after July 3 like it happened today. It'll be interesting to see when the company resumes its services and how Trai intervenes in this matter as well.
Independent TV to Resume TV Services After July 3
On Twitter, Independent TV wrote “Dear customers, our services are suspended on account of satellite signal disconnection. Same are expected to resume only after July 3rd, 2019. Inconvenience is regretted." Already, several customers of Independent TV are complaining regarding the service disruption on social media handles and this deadline extension will irk many out there.
This is not the first time Independent TV is making its customers suffer. In the past, the company entered into legal issues with Star India and dropped all the channels of Star abruptly. Later on, the company settled the dispute and started providing Star India channels again.
To recall, Independent TV is a DTH company established last year and having operations in Uttar Pradesh, Kolkata and other cities in North and West India. The company is said to have around one lakh subscribers. This disruption will surely make an impact on the company's growth going forward.
What's the Actual Issue With Independent TV?
Well, Independent TV is unable to pay dues to the satellite service provider company. To recall, the Telecom Disputes Settlement Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT), in last month, ordered Independent TV to clear dues to Antrix Corporation (satellite provider company) by June 12. However, the DTH operator failed to do so, which forced Antrix Corporation to discontinue services to Independent TV. Talking about the dues, Independent TV will have to shed out Rs 9 crore to Antrix Corporation and Rs 15 crore as bank guarantees.
Last week itself, it was confirmed that the matter between Independent TV and Antrix Corporation would be up for the next hearing on July 2. Today, the operator has confirmed that the service resumption will only happen after July 3. It seems like the company is eagerly waiting for the next hearing to happen, so that it can resume services to the customers.
In addition, media reports are claiming that the Independent TV officials switched off their mobile phones and distributors claim they've already paid money to the DTH operator. At the moment, there's no official info available from the company's end and it seems like we will have to wait until July 3 for the next update.
