TRAI prescribes standard tariff packages for STBs
The main objective of the tariff orders is to ensure effective commercial interoperability and increase competition that will benefit consumers
BestMediaInfo Bureau | Delhi | May 28, 2013
TRAI has today issued tariff orders prescribing standard tariff packages for set-top boxes (STBs) for Digital Addressable Cable TV Systems (DAS) and Consumer Premises Equipment (CPEs) for Direct to Home (DTH) services.
The main objective of the tariff orders is to ensure effective commercial interoperability. The tariff orders have been devised to make available STBs/CPEs at reasonable prices and lucid and easy to understand terms and conditions. It is also aimed at taking care of the interests of service providers. This would also promote healthy competition amongst operators which would ultimately benefit all stakeholders, including the consumers.
The prescribed standard tariff packages for supply of STB/CPE to subscribers are:
Service | Security Deposit (Rs.) | Monthly Rent (Rs.) (Excluding taxes) | Refund of security deposit |
DAS |
400 |
55.66 |
Security deposit would be refunded after 3 years or on surrender of STB/CPE within three years. |
800 |
50.66 |
||
DTH |
500 |
71.75 |
|
1000 |
65.5 |
||
DAS |
400 |
46.8 |
The security deposit gets adjusted over 3 years. If STB/CPE is surrendered within 3 years, the unadjusted portion of the security deposit would be refunded. Details available in Tariff Order |
800 |
32.93 |
||
DTH |
500 |
60.66 |
|
1000 |
43.33 |
Salient features of the tariff orders are:
- The tariff includes installation and activation charges as well as the charges for maintenance and repairs for a period of 3 years
- No monthly rental to be paid after 3 years. The STB/ CPE becomes property of the subscriber after 3 years
- These packages are to be mandatorily offered to the subscribers and' in addition' service providers can also offer alternative schemes/ packages for supply of STBs/CPEs