TRAI makes amendments in the tariff order

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has made a few amendments in the Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable) Services (Eighth) (Addressable Systems) Tariff Order, 2017 issued on March 3, 2017.

TRAI has re-determined the dates for implementation of a certain clause 3 of the principal Tariff order. The step was taken when the stakeholders approached TRAI to bring ambiguity in the dates of submission of MRP and RIO prices in the earlier order.

TRAI received representations from some stakeholders mentioning that the clause which mandates that broadcasters have to declare the nature and MRP of pay channels, will come into effect after 30 days from the date of publication of this Order in the Official Gazette. On the other hand, as per Regulation 7(1) of the Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable) Services (Addressable Systems) Interconnection Regulations, 2017, every broadcaster has to publish its reference interconnection offer (RIO) within 60 days from the date of publication of these regulations in the Official Gazette.

“They have further mentioned that it is not clear where will broadcasters declare the nature and rates of channels as RIOs are required to be published within 60 days. They have requested TRAI to remove the ambiguity with regards to schedule for declaration of nature and MRP of pay channels; and publishing of RIO,” stated the recently issued press statement.

In order to remove ambiguity and to bring harmony in the matter, TRAI decided to make amendments. This order provides the tariff framework applicable to broadcasting services relating to television provided to subscribers, through addressable systems, throughout the territory of India.

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