NTO 2.0: Sony publishes new ROI, prices key GE & sports channels above TRAI cap

Complying with the TRAI’s New Tariff Order (NTO) 2.0, Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has published an updated Reference Interconnect Offer (RIO). The new RIO, however, will be implemented based on the final decision to be taken by the Supreme Court, which will take up the NTO 2.0 case on November 30, 2021.

Meanwhile, other TV broadcasters are also likely to come up with their respective RIOs soon.

Consumers will have to shell out more to view their favourite channels as SPNI has moved out their popular GECs and sports channels from the bouquet offerings as per their new RIO. SPNI has priced its marquee GEC Sony Entertainment Television (SET) at Rs 24, while Sony Sab has been priced at 23, which are well above the TRAI mandate cap of Rs 12. Sony Six has been priced at Rs 15, while the network’s sports channels – Sony Ten 1 and Sony Ten 2 are priced at Rs 20. All these channels will be offered on a la carte basis.

Five out of SPNI’s 16 SD channels don’t form part of the bouquet offering as they have been priced above the MRP of Rs 12.

With the most popular channels now not available in the bouquets, which have been cut down to 12 from the current 31 bouquets, it remains to be seen whether consumers will find them an attractive proposition. Or will consumers pick the one or two of the favourite channels from the a la carte menu and shun bouquets altogether? The coming weeks will see how different broadcasters re-arrange their channel offerings.

As reported earlier, TRAI had earlier issued letters to the broadcasters demanding compliance reports in the wake of receiving no reprieve from the apex court. The Indian Broadcasting and Digital Foundation (IBDF) had challenged the Bombay High Court verdict upholding the NTO 2.0.