TRAI issues tariff order for interoperability of DTH set top boxes

Under a ‘Tariff Order,’ (TO) issued today, TRAI prescribed for interoperability of Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) or Set Top Box (STB) offered by DTH operators to their subscribers. This will make it easier for consumers to migrate from one Direct-To-Home (DTH) service provider to another while also encouraging transparency in charges levied by operators. Currently, if a subscriber wishes to migrate from one DTH operator to another, he has to invest again in buying a new set top box.

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Under the new framework for ‘commercial interoperability’ of CPEs, an exit option will be provided to the subscribers in case they wish to avail services from another DTH operator for any reason. TRAI, which is the regulator for the broadcasting sector, also observed that there is a “lack of transparency” in various schemes offered by the DTH operators. Listing the salient features of the new order, TRAI said that it mandates transparent declaration of installation and activation charges by DTH operators which shall not exceed Rs 450.

DTH operators also have to mandatorily offer an outright purchase scheme called ‘Standard Scheme’ for all types of CPEs on a standalone basis, it added. DTH operators may offer additional schemes including bundled schemes and rental schemes, TRAI said. In rental schemes, the operators can charge a specified one-time interest-free refundable security deposit, installation and activation charges from the subscriber during enrolment followed by specified monthly rental charges, TRAI said. No repair and service charges are applicable for such subscribers.