Trai has been saying good deeds about their revised NTO 2.0 structure as customers will enjoy the revised price structure in the new tariff order. However, reality shows another side of the story. As per the survey by YouGov which was done back in 2019, when the official orders were passed about the revised price structure, approximately 49% people who took part in the survey showed their interest and likeness towards spending more time online watching the original content. After a year, around 48% of Indian DTH subscribers noted that the amount they spend on online content platforms had been increased after the implementation of Trai order. Also, 42% of the group mentioned the same for the time they spent watching catch-up television content online.
Television Industry Faces Trouble
As per the reports of the survey, video streaming platforms have gained attraction, whereas the television industry has been facing losses lately. According to the survey, 43% of people mentioned that their television viewing time had been decreased and nearly 16% of people have unsubscribed from their DTH connections because of the new Trai order.
The survey by YouGov was conducted among 1000 people in India between February 17 to February 24, 2020. The earlier NTO which was implemented in February 2019 allowed users to select their preferred channels and pay only for them at the maximum retail prices (MRP’s). However, NTO 2.0 resulted in an increased price for like-to-like entertainment.
Trai New NTO 2.0 Offers 200 Channels in the Base NCF Slab
As per the new tariff order, subscribers will get 200 channels at a base slab of Rs 130 which was Rs 100 in the previous NTO. However, 36% of surveyed respondents feel that the new amendment will confuse consumers by giving them too many options to select. Also, 40% of people choose their channels individually whereas 37% of people prefer bundle pack and 23% of people go with free-to-air channels with a few additions.
Also, a survey done by YouGov shows that people wanting to buy a bundle pack and stick with free channels is almost the same. In a statement, general manager of YouGov noted that new tariff order would disrupt the business further, and it is more important for advertisers to study the consumer needs and behaviour and reallocate their entertainment budget.
