Cable operators, MSOs slam Trai guidelines on digitisation

Representatives from the broadcasting industry expressed concern over high carriage fee they have to pay in order to reach out to their target audience. New Delhi: Within a few days of TRAI announcing tariff rules for cable TV, cable operators and multi-system operators have slammed Trai, saying the guidelines are not realistic. We are not happy with the Rs 45 share in the TRAI proposed tariff plan for cable operators as this will lead to unemployment,” Cable Operators Federation of India President Roop Sharma said at an Assocham event today. While the cable operators are complaining about their low share in the proposed tariff plan of TRAI, the multi-system operators are of the view that the June 30, 2012, deadline for digitisation in four metros is too close. We have sought more time from the government.” According to the regulatory framework by TRAI to safeguard consumers’ interests, cable operators will have to mandatorily offer a Basic Service Tier to viewers throughout the country.