New Delhi: In a move aimed at streamlining the broadcasting sector, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on Monday announced changes to tariff orders and regulations. These amendments aim to reduce the regulatory burden on distribution platform operators (DPOs) while also promoting a more market-driven approach.
The key changes focus on providing DPOs with greater flexibility in how they structure their offerings. This includes removing the previous ceiling on Network Capacity Fee (NCF), which is now determined by market forces. Additionally, DPOs can now offer discounts of up to 45% when forming channel bouquets, compared to the earlier limit of 15%. This allows them to create more attractive deals for consumers.
TRAI has also removed the distinction between High Definition (HD) and Standard Definition (SD) channels when it comes to carriage fees. This encourages the broadcasting of more HD content, aligning with the growing popularity of HD television sets.
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To ensure a level playing field, broadcasters offering a free-to-air channel on a public service broadcaster’s DTH platform must now declare it free-to-air for all distribution platforms. This prevents unfair advantages for any specific platform.
TRAI emphasizes that these amendments aim to achieve several goals. Firstly, they aim to reduce the regulatory burden on DPOs, allowing them more operational freedom. Secondly, they promote a market-driven approach within the broadcasting sector. Finally, these changes ensure transparency, accountability, and fairness for both consumers and smaller players in the industry.
These amendments will come into effect 90 days after their official publication in the gazette, with a few exceptions. This move follows a series of regulatory changes implemented by TRAI in 2017, 2020, and 2022 to address the evolving needs of the broadcasting ecosystem and stakeholder concerns.
This decision by TRAI is expected to have a significant impact on the Indian broadcasting sector. By reducing regulatory hurdles and allowing for more market-driven pricing, it has the potential to stimulate growth and innovation within the industry. Consumers can also benefit from this move as DPOs gain the flexibility to offer more competitive pricing and channel packages.
