NTO 2.0: Star India rearranges channel bouquets, a la carte offerings

Close on the heels of Sony Pictures Networks India publishing an updated Reference Interconnect Offer (RIO), Star India, too, has filed its RIO by adhering to the New Tariff Order (NTO) 2.0 mandated by TRAI. Along similar lines of Sony’s strategy, Star has set the MRP of 12 of its 62 popular entertainment and sports channels above Rs 12, the cap stipulated by TRAI under NTO 2.0.

Star’s new channel pricing ranges from Rs 15 to Rs 23 for key channels like Star Plus, Star Jalsha, Maa TV, Star Sports 1, Asianet, Star Vijay, Star Suvarna, etc. The broadcaster has kept an MRP of Rs 12 for its flagship channels such as Maa Movies, Star Bharat, Star Gold, and upcoming channels Star Movies Select and Star Kirano.

Previously, many channels were priced at Rs 19 or less and were offered as part of the bouquet. Post-NTO 2.0, broadcasters have been forced either to lower the prices of channels they offer as part of a bundle or increase prices by unbundling all those popular channels.

SPNI has kept the MRP of its main sports and entertainment channels above Rs 12. Consumers will henceforth be forced to spend more if they want to subscribe to popular channels. It is expected that monthly cable bills will increase as a result of the new pricing by these broadcasters.