With almost a month into the new Trai tariff regime, we have definitely come to know that the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) is not slacking off with the implementation of its latest pricing framework. The sector regulator has been stringent about the new rules since day one and is continuously keeping track of the DTH players under strict scrutiny to find any violation of the quality of service norms. Only a few days back, we got to hear that the regulator slapped Airtel Digital TV with a notice after Airtel was providing channels without the consent of users. Now a very similar notice has knocked on Dish TV’s doorstep. Here’s how Trai has responded to Dish TV’s violations of a few norms.
Dish TV In Trouble After Keeping Trai Norms on Sidelines
Trai in its notice said, “the said DTH operator is forcefully offering a bouquet of free-to-air channels with no choice to subscribers and without their consent. This is in addition to the channels opted by the subscribers and the following message is being displayed: - This is a free to air bouquet at no extra charge. If you have selected any pay channel, then this bouquet will not impact your NCF.”
The regulator in its notice, also added that when subscribers are trying to reach out to Dish TV to log their grievance, they are unable to do so. It is worth noting that Trai issued the notice on April 24, Wednesday to Dish TV and the regulator has asked the company to comply with the norms within five days of the issue date and then report compliance to the authority.
The telecom regulator has already emphasised that the new Trai tariff regime has aimed to bring more transparency to the broadcasting and DTH industry. Not only that, but the regulator has also laid a severe emphasis on following of quality of service norms. In addition to that, Trai has asked all related companies to adhere to the strict rules set for customer service and a grievance remedial line. In its order, Trai had noted that every service provider must ensure that it “has a toll free “customer care number" having sufficient number of lines or connections and human resources to efficiently service the subscriber base of the distributor”, a clause which Dish TV violated recently, only to be hit by a notice from Trai.
Airtel Digital TV Also Slapped with Notice for Ignoring QoS Norms
The clause related to transparency which says that all subscribers should get access to channels of their choice only and they should have the full flexibility to choose what they want to watch is another one which forms the basis of the new framework. However, Dish TV has been held in scrutiny for keeping these norm on the sidelines as well. Only a few days back, Airtel Digital TV was also hit by a similar notice from Trai after violating rules of the new tariff order.
