SPNI extends validity of NTO 1.0 RIO till March 31

The validity of the existing Reference Interconnect Offer (RIO) dated June 1 2021 under the New Tariff Order (NTO) 1.0 regime has been extended to 31 March 2022 by Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI). The broadcaster's new RIO, which was submitted on October 15, 2021, will take effect on April 1, 2022.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) extended the deadline for enforcing NTO 2.0 to April 1, 2022 in November 2021. The regulator had published a roadmap for customers to transition to the new pricing structure.
With effect from April 1, 2022, distribution platform operators (DPOs) would be required to ensure that customers get pay-TV service in accordance with NTO 2.0 rules, according to the implementation plan. The previous date for NTO 2.0 implementation was December 1, 2021.

Two RIOs have been put to the broadcaster's website. The previous RIO is only in force until March 31, 2022, while the new RIO goes into effect on April 1, 2022. The RIOs are subject to the decision of the company's Special Leave Petition before the Supreme Court.

The pricing of popular channels is the most significant difference between the old and new RIO. While Sony Entertainment Television (SET) HD and Sony Sab are cheaper than the NTO 1.0 price cap of Rs 19, they are more expensive than the NTO 2.0 price cap of Rs 12.