Trai New Rules Will Again Need Some Consumer Preparedness

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has spent the last six months ideating and deliberating on the rules which govern the DTH and broadcasting sector. The Trai tariff regime which was introduced back in early 2019 faced a lot of criticism from the subscribers, and a little criticism from the stakeholders as well. Now, with the help of the stakeholders and lengthy deliberation, Trai has decided to rollout the new rules on March 1. However, if we recall the rollout of the first Trai tariff regime or the National Tariff Order, then one of the most debated things was consumer preparedness. During the rollout of the National Tariff Order, because of poor awareness of the consumers and lack of knowledge between the subscribers, the consumers had to face a lot of troubles. One of the major complaints which the subscribers had from the NTO was the raising of tariffs. Some of the subscriber had noted that their monthly bills soared by 10% to 25%. This time as well, if the subscribers keep proper awareness, then they would be able to make the most of the new National Tariff Order.

• Make Telecom Talk My Trusted Source
• 
• 

Major Change in Channel Packs for Subscribers

The first thing which the subscribers will have to do is the choice of the new channel packs. One of the significant changes which is the part of the NTO 2.0 is the channel pricing and the channel bouquet rules. Previously, while channels priced up to Rs 19 were allowed in the channel packs, now this price has been brought down to Rs 12. The broadcasters under the banner of Indian Broadcasting Forum (IBF) are opposed to these rules for fear of business constriction. However, as a result of these new rules, the DTH operators and the broadcasters will have to float new channel packs, from which the subscribers will have to make new choices. A lot of the channel bouquets will also be obsolete with the implementation of the new Trai rules.