TRAI mulls third-party apps to aid consumers in TV channel selection

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is planning to facilitate functioning of third-party Apps that will aid consumers in easily selecting the TV channels that they want to watch. TRAI has created Channel Selection System API Specifications document, which prescribes common APIs with all Distribution Platform Operators (DPO). TRAI intends to mandate all the DPOs to compulsorily share information with the apps after authenticating the subscriber so that such apps can help in easy selection of the required TV channels. 

For this, TRAI has issued a draft (Second Amendment) to the Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable) Services Standards of Quality of Service and Consumer Protection (Addressable Systems) Regulations 2017. 

As is known, the regulatory authority had, in March 2017, notified the ‘New Regulatory Framework’ for Broadcasting and Cable services, which came into effect on December 29, 2018. TRAI’s new regulations for the television and broadcasting sector have given freedom to consumers to select TV channels that they want to watch. To ensure proper implementation of the new framework, TRAI has made a number of efforts such as series of meetings with DPOs, publicity in electronic and news media, interactions with customer groups, etc. 

However, time and again, it is being brought to notice of the Authority that consumers are not able to make real choice of TV channels. TRAI has received several complaints from the consumers that they are not able to choose the TV channels conveniently on the web portal/ apps of the DPOs. In field inspections for some DPOs done by TRAI, it was noticed that quite a few DPOs platform were not providing adequate freedom and choice to consumers. Customers also complained that the call centres of DPOs are also not helping to facilitate consumer choice of the channels. 

In order to address this issue, TRAI felt need to have a Channel Selection System developed by third party to facilitate easy channel selection by consumers. 

Through the draft regulation (Second Amendment), TRAI is seeking the comments of the stakeholders on the issue of developing of App by third parties and consequent sharing of information using API between DPOs and consumers to have ease in selection of channels of their choice and reduce TV viewing charges by optimising their subscription, while allowing them to view channels of their interest. 

The draft regulation (Second Amendment) shall be open for comments of the stakeholders up to August 22, 2019.