NTO 2.0 effect: Disney Star India also hikes MRPs of its popular channel by up to 90%

Disney Star has also increased the MRPs of its popular channels, as per the new Reference Interconnect Offer published by the broadcast network in compliance with NTO 2.0.

According to the new price list, the popular channels of the network will be costlier by up to 90%. The network has priced 32 out of 78 channels above Rs 12, the maximum MRP being Rs 25.

On an average, the overall pricing of Disney Star India channels has increased by 24%.

The network’s flagship channel Star Plus has been priced at Rs 23 while its HD version will cost Rs 25 plus GST to an end consumer. All the leading regional GECs such as Jalsha, Suvarna, Maa, Vijay, Pravah, and main sports channels have been priced in the similar fashion.

However, the network has reduced the a-la-carte prices of its niche and special interest channels.

On Friday, Sony Pictures Networks India had announced similar hike in its channel’s pricing. According to the industry observers, other large networks Zee and Viacom18 will follow the suit.

As a result, the consumer’s cable bill is set to shoot up contrary to the claims made by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India that NTO 2.0 was introduced in the consumer interest. Through several conditions on discounting and bouquet formation under the new tariff order, TRAI has been attempting to curb the broadcasters’ basic right to operate their businesses according their choice, especially when it comes to pricing their channels.

BestMediaInfo.com on Thursday reported that the consumer's cable bill will shoot up with broadcasters complying with NTO 2.0. The broadcasters challenged Bombay High Court order, which had upheld constitutional validity of NTO 2.0, in the Supreme Court. The apex court will pronounce the judgement on November 30. In the meantime, TRAI wrote broadcasters to submit compliance report as the latter failed to secure any interim stay on the Bombay High Court order.

New MRPs of Disney Star India channels effective from December 1: