Disney Star, Zee and Sony channels switch off signals to non-compliant DPOs

Disney Star India, Zee Entertainment and Sony have switched off the signals of their channels to the Distribution Platform Operators (DPO) who have not signed the interconnection deal as per the provisions of the amended new tariff order (NTO 3.0) notified by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).

NewsDrum reported that the channels went off the air when the second test match is being played between India and Australia, and viewers cannot watch Star Sports channel on their cable TV connection provided by the non-compliant cable operators.

The NTO 3.0 came into force on February 1.

All the DTH operators and 80% of the cable operators have complied with the provisions of NTO 3.0.

However, the remaining 20% of cable operators, who are members of the All India Digital Cable Federation (AIDCF) and command a large chunk of cable TV subscription, have refused to sign interconnection deals with broadcasters as per the provisions laid out in NTO 3.0, protesting against hike in MRPs of channels and bouquets.

Also read: Cable operators vs broadcasters fight intensifies over channel price hike right before IPL

In the meantime, Siti Cable, who complied with the NTO 3.0, is receiving the feeds of all the channels from three broadcasters.

After Feb 1, the broadcasters were providing feeds to the non-complying cable operators illegally, while pushing for deals with the remaining cable operators.

AIDCF has filed multiple petitions against the amended new tariff order by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) in various High Courts across the country.

Kerala and Karnataka High Courts have refused to stay the amended new tariff order and posted the case for hearings on February 22.

Cable operators who have not complied with NTO 3.0 have taken to Twitter to complain about the unavailability of the channel and questioned the price hike.

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