Independent TV Subscribers Can Hope for Resumed Services as Operator Looks for New Arrangements

There has been a new development with the DTH service provider which has gone bust from the industry and has stopped its operations. The DTH operator that we are talking about is Independent TV. A few months back, Independent TV faced disruption in its services when its signal was cut off by Antrix Corporation, following non-payment of dues. It is worth noting that Antrix is the commercial arm of ISRO and provides the signal to the DTH entity. Now, nearly after four months of disconnection and being out of service, Independent TV has filed a new application in the Telecom Disputes Settlements and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) to modify the order which the tribunal had passed on July 2 regarding the matter between itself and Antrix.

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TDSAT July 2 Order to Independent TV and Antrix

To recall, in its July 2, 2019 order, TDSAT had ordered Independent TV to either pay Antrix Rs 5.83 crore cash and Rs 6 crore in bank guarantees. Or, the DTH operator also had the option of altogether furnishing Rs 12 crore worth of bank guarantees for the next two months which would ensure the resumption of signal for Independent TV. The order also directed Antrix to resume signal as soon as Independent TV made the payment.

Now, during the hearing of the matter, the tribunal noted that Independent TV only wanted to clear the arrears of Antrix before proceeding with the future agreement and payment of the same which was the reason by Independent TV was not up for providing security and bank guarantee. Independent TV was also in need of Antrix to help it facilitate an agreement with some other entities which provide transponder capacity. The tribunal had then stated that the figures of July 2 order are tentative and that the parties were free to reconcile the accounts in that regard.