The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has been very stringent lately regarding the compliance with the new tariff regime. The sector regulator has already issued warnings and notices to many companies in the wake of the new regulatory framework. Firstly, the telecom regulator targeted the cable TV subscribers and then turned its head to DTH providers and did not spare big companies like Airtel Digital TV and more. However, now the regulator is putting scrutiny on the Multi System Operators (MSOs). In its latest move, Trai has issued a notice to Punjab-based multi-system operator (MSO) MC Transmission for non-compliance of the provisions of the new regulatory framework.
MC Transmission Found to Have Partial Functioning Website
Trai has been conducting inspections of these companies and has been noting whether or not these operators are abiding by the new norms. During the inspection, Trai is also taking a close look at the processes being followed to handle customer service and is also scrutinising websites for proper information. During such an inspection of MC Transmission Trai observed that the website was only partially functional. There was also no customer care centre available and even no toll-free number. The customer care channel was also not functioning which was noted as a violation of the quality of service (QoS) norms of the new tariff mandate.
Noting these discrepancies, Trai has directed MC Transmission to resolve the issues that the regulator has noted and has also directed the company to abide by the norms of the Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable) Services Standards of Quality of Service and Consumer Protection (Addressable Systems) Regulations, 2017. Similar to how it had directed the other MSOs to do, Trai has also asked MC Transmission to show compliance within five days from the date of issue of the notice.
Two More MSOs in Punjab Receive Notices from Trai
It is worth noting that MC Transmission wasn’t the only operator to receive notice from Trai as Chetak Cable Network and Citi Cable Net also received notices about non-compliance with the new tariff regime. Similar to MC Transmission, on inspection, the authorities had found partial functionality of the website, non-availability of the customer care centre and a toll-free number and non-functionality of customer care programming service thus denoting violation of QoS norms as per the new regulatory framework. Both of these MSOs are also based out of Bhatinda and have been asked to show compliance within 5 days of issue of this notice.
To recall, firstly Trai had targeted Tata Sky, Sun Direct and Dish TV as well for not complying with the norms of the new regulatory framework. Then in a regional meeting held in Kolkata, the Trai had decided to turn its head towards MSOs who were also found to be in violation of the norms and then Trai had sent notices to them. After the implementation of the tariff regime, Trai is continuing to ensure strict compliance with the new rules.
