The cable TV and DTH industry has not gone silent since the implementation of the new Trai tariff regime. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has been on the task of revising the rules of the broadcasting and DTH industry since the start of this year. Now in a new move, the telecom regulator seems to be preparing to bring some more changes in the regulations which has to do with the pricing of the channels. Right before the regulator makes such a move, the broadcasters have already started falling in line by cutting down the prices of these channels. The subscribers are in the benefit here as now they will get to enjoy much lower prices for some of the most popular channels in the DTH industry. We have already seen big broadcasters like Star India, Viacom18 and others cut the prices of their channels, but now in a new update, Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has also announced a price cut on its channels.
In its latest release, SPNI has noted that it has brought a new offer for its viewers called the ‘Ab India aur bhi Happy’ offer. The broadcaster has also noted that as part of this offer, the viewers of SPNI channels would be able to get the popular channels like SET, Sony SAB and Sony MAX at a festive a-la-carte channel pricing of Rs 12 per month. It is worth noting that without the festive offer and the price cut, these SPNI channels come for Rs 19.
SPNI has also noted, “In the wake of TRAI’s revised guidelines on TV channel tariffs Sony Pictures Networks had launched a comprehensive consumer education campaign, #RishtaPakkaSamjho with Mr. Amitabh Bachchan to empower consumers to make an informed choice of the various pricing options, either on an à-la-carte basis or a combination/bouquet. This campaign successfully addressed viewer’s concerns and dilemmas on channel subscriptions costs and maximum retail packs.”
On the launch of the offer, Mr. N.P. Singh, Managing Director & CEO, Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) also said, “We are grateful to the viewers that our premier entertainment channels are leaders in their respective genres. It is our constant endeavour to provide quality entertainment at great value. This festive offer includes our highly rated marquee prime time content. Our intent through this initiative is to contribute towards and complement the festive spirit.”
Star India, Viacom18 and Other Cut Pricing of Channels
It is crucial to note that other major broadcasters like Viacom18 have also introduced festive pricing for their major GEC and other channels. For example, Colors Kannada and Colors, which used to be available for Rs 19 per month are now available for the viewers only at Rs 12 per month, similar to the pricing mentioned above. Not only this, but Zee Entertainment Limited has also reduced the prices of channels like Zee TV, Zee Marathi, Zee Bangla, Zee Telugu, Zee Kannada and Zee Sarthak down to Rs 12 per month. Also, Star India’s popular channel, Star Plus’ SD channel will also be available for Rs 12 from now on.
Trai Might Make Changes to Channel Pricing
The new move has been speculated to come after Trai is ideating on implementing a discount cap on the bouquets. If implemented, this discount cap would mean that the broadcasters would not be able to price the a-la-carte channels more than 15% of the price in the bouquet. For example, if a channel is priced at Rs 6 in the bouquet, then the a-la-carte channel pricing could not be more than Rs 6.90 for the subscribers. As per Trai, this move will help in increasing the uptake of the a-la-carte channels which would mean that the subscribers would actually opt for the channels that they want.
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