Zee and Turner channels on a la carte menu of Hathway!

Multi – Sysytem Operator (MSO) Hathway Cable and Datacom have announced the availability of Zee and Turner channels on a la carte basis, stating 1st August 2014. This notice comes following a temporary commercial arrangement given by the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT). However, Ten Sports channels continue to be available on the Hathway platform since the deal between the two parties is till 2015.

We learn that three weeks ago, Taj Television, Zee’s distribution arm and Turner’s distribution agent had issued a public notice against Hathway Cable and Datacom and informed consumers that channels from these broadcasters may be pulled off from Hathway’s network if the MSO fails to clear pending subscription fees and sign the interconnection agreement by 31st July 2014. Crossing the deadline, Taj Television had switched off signals to Hathway.

As per the arrangement, the TDSAT has allowed Hathway to put Taj Television channels on RIO from 1st August 2014 and also directed Taj Television to switch on the signals. Also, the TDSAT has asked Hathway to clear Taj Television’s outstanding dues at the rate of Rs 21.60 per subscriber for the period April to July, subject to adjustments at a later stage. This would include the Zee (excluding sports) and Turner group of channels. However, Taj Television had argued that Hathway must pay the backlog based on the RIO rates.

Taj Television has been asked to file its reply in three weeks, after which the MSO can file a rejoinder in two week by the TDSAT. Understandably, the matter is expected to be heard after five weeks following the filing of reply and rejoinder by both the parties.

For records, prior to this, Star India had issued disconnection notice to Hathway due to expiry of inter-connect agreement and non-payment of monthly subscription fees. The MSO had challenged the disconnection notice following which the TDSAT made an interim arrangement under which Hathway was to pay Rs 27 on cost-per-subscriber basis as monthly subscription fee to Star from 1st August 2014 for both – GEC and sports channels. The tribunal had also directed Hathway to clear outstanding dues amounting to Rs 27 crore (Rs 270 million) by Wednesday.