TRAI notifies two installments for inflationary linked Tariff Order

TRAI notified the Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable) Services (Second) Tariff (Thirteenth Amendment) Order, 2014 applicable for non-addressable (analogue cable TV) systems.

The Authority has deciced to allow for inflationary linked adjustment of 27.5% in two installments vide Tariff Amendment Order dated 31st March 2014. The first installment of 15% was allowed w.e.f 1st April 2014. Now, through this Tariff Amendment order, w.e.f. 1st January 2015, the balance inflation linked hike has been allowed, both at the retail and wholesale levels.

Ceilings for retail tariff have been prescribed on pan-India basis depending upon the number of pay and free-to-air (FTA) channels provided. The ceilings are Rs. 118 per month for minimum of 30 FTA channels; Rs. 234 per month for minimum 30 FTA channels and up to 20 pay channels; and Rs. 292 per month for minimum 30 FTA channels and more than 20 pay channels.

At the wholesale level, the ceilings to continue, subject to inflationary adjustments allowed from time to time. 

This tariff Order is expected to rationalise retail tariff ceilnigs and simplify its implementation.