Switch to new tariff regime as per schedule, no more extension, says TRAI

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has affirmed that January 31, 2019 remains the last date for migrating to the new regulatory framework for Broadcasting and Cable services. 

In a notice issued, the regulator said that it had been made aware of certain rumours/ messages that were being floated that the implementation of the new framework had been postponed or stopped or was being modified. TRAI reiterated, “All the service providers are again advised to strictly observe the timelines as provided in the migration plan dated December 28, 2018. All the subscribers are requested to exercise their options without waiting for the last minute to avoid any inconvenience and to ensure that they continue to view their favourite channels.”

The Authority clarified that the new framework had come into effect on December 29, 2018 and added that it was conducting review meetings regularly to monitor the progress. TRAI noted that almost all the service providers have started providing consumer care channel on Channel Number 999. “The schedule of activities has been duly communicated to all the service providers for reaching out to the consumers and obtaining choices,” it added. 

As is known, the new tariff regime for TV channels came into effect on December 29, 2018. However, keeping in view the consumer convenience and to provide sufficient time to the consumers for exercising the options, the authority provided time up to January 31, 2019, vide its press release No. 27/20182, dated December 28, 2018.