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Tag: broadcaster

  • TRAI order: Chrome has new method of analyzing impact on broadcasters

    TRAI order: Chrome has new method of analyzing impact on broadcasters

    MUMBAI: Chrome Data Analytics and Media has launched the Chrome Rate Impact Calculator for broadcasters and distribution service providers, to analyse the impact of TRAI’s latest recommendation at the market, network and channel level vis-à-vis the broadcaster’s current deals.

    Designed to interpret TRAI’s recent Tariff Order, the calculator uses Chrome DM’s proprietary tools to layer the Network-wise/Channel-wise Viewership & project the off-take of channels at a household level.

    With the CRIC, the broadcaster will be able to access the following insights:

    1) A channel- wise potential subscription revenue, post implementation of TRAI’s new price recommendation.

    2) The potential off take of subscribers, split by Channel.

    3) The projected carriage fee payable, split by Channel.

    4) CPS variance, current vis-à-vis the new price recommendation.

    Chrome DM founder and CEO Pankaj Krishna said, “TRAI’s latest tariff order which includes recommendations on the rates applicable for subscription and carriage fee calls for an understanding of its impact on the industry. CRIC has been created to assist broadcasters on the same.”

  • TRAI issues comprehensive interconnect draft guidelines

    TRAI issues comprehensive interconnect draft guidelines

    NEW DELHI: Indian broadcast regulator came out today with its third set of draft guidelines within five days — this time on interconnection issues. With an aim to bring about more uniformity and transparency in the broadcast carriage sector, TRAI attempts to tackle spiralling carriage cost, rampant discount schemes and uneven agreements between stakeholders, while creating room for distribution cost reimbursement.

    As often reiterated by the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT), TRAI said no broadcaster will provide signals of pay television channels to a distributor of television channels without entering into a written interconnection agreement with such a distributor of television channels.

    In the draft regulations, called the Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable Services) Interconnection (Addressable Systems) Regulations, 2016, published by TRAI today, the regulator said all broadcasters and distributors (DPOs) will publish on their websites a draft reference interconnection offer (RIO) for providing signals of all its pay television channels to a distributor of television channels within 30 days of commencement of these regulations or before launching of a pay television channel, in conformance with the provisions of the regulations and tariff orders notified by it.

    It also said that every broadcaster shall offer all television channels on a-la-carte basis to distributor of television channels. But it will be open to a broadcaster to offer its pay channels (in addition to offering of channels on a-la-carte basis) in form of bouquets.

    The draft inter-connect guidelines have been prepared after keeping in view the various orders and litigations pending in TDSAT or courts arising out of disputes between broadcasters and distributors or local cable broadcasters.

    Stakeholders have been asked to respond to the draft by 28 October 2016, with the year-end deadline for the final switch-off of analogue signals under the Digital Addressable Systems (DAS) less than three months away.   

    Interestingly, TRAI also dwells on carriage & placement fee — something that broadcasters have been saying is a growing menace hitting their bottomline — and discounts indicating how the issue can be tackled. 

    No carriage fee is to be paid by a broadcaster if the subscription of the channel is more than or equal to 20 per cent of the subscriber base. The rate of carriage fee has been capped at 20 paisa per channel per subscriber per month and the fee amount (charged by DPOs from TV channels) will decrease with increase in subscription numbers.

    In what could lead to some serious work in arithmetic, TRAI has suggested the distributors of TV channels may offer discounts on the carriage fee rate declared by them not exceeding 35 per cent of the rate of the carriage fee declared. Further, broadcaster can offer to a distributor a minimum of 20 per cent of the maximum retail price (MRP) of its pay channels or bouquets of pay channels as distribution fee. TV channels may also offer discounts on the MRP, provided that the sum of discounts and distribution fee in no case shall exceed 35 per cent of the declared MRP.

    The carriage fee payable by a broadcaster to the distributor under the interconnection agreement shall be calculated on the basis of the rate of carriage fee and the discounts offered in the reference interconnection offer. The term of the interconnection agreement will in no case be less than one year from the date of commencement of the agreement.

    The Authority suo-motu or otherwise may examine the reference interconnection offer submitted by a distributor of television channels and may modify the reference interconnection offer with the distributor amending the RIO accordingly and publish the same within fifteen days of receipt of the direction, if the Authority is of the opinion that the RIO has not been prepared in conformance with the provisions of the regulations and the tariff orders notified by the Authority.

    Pointing out that the new draft has attempted to keep the basic principles of non-exclusivity, non-discrimination, transparency, level playing field and fair competition in mind, TRAI said there should be a common interconnection framework for all addressable systems, DTH, HITS, DAS and IPTV.

    The “Must carry” provision for all addressable systems on first come first serve basis has been provided for and distributors have been asked to publish information about its platform, including available capacity and declare the rate of carriage fee.

    It will be mandatory for service providers to reduce the terms and conditions of all their interconnection agreements to writing and no service provider will provide for any clause in an interconnection agreement with the other service provider which would require, directly or indirectly, the latter to pay a minimum guaranteed amount.

    Furthermore, no broadcaster will provide signals of pay television channels to a distributor of television channels without entering into a written interconnection agreement with such distributor of television channels.

    The regulator said no broadcaster will provide for any clause, directly or indirectly, in an interconnection agreement with a distributor of TV channels which require such distributor to include the channels or bouquets of pay TV channels in any particular bouquet of channels offered by such distributor to the subscribers.

    A broadcaster may sign the interconnection agreement with distributors of TV channels for a-la-carte pay TV channels or bouquets of pay television channels of its subsidiary company or holding company or subsidiary company of the holding company which has obtained, in its name, the down-linking permission for its television channels from the Government, after written authorization by them.

    Every broadcaster will enter into a new written interconnection agreement with distributors of TV channels before the expiry of the existing interconnection agreement and notice of this will be given to the distributor at least 60 days prior to the date of expiry.

    The agreement between a broadcaster and a multi system operator (MSO) will include the details for describing the territory for the purpose of distribution of signals of television channels containing the registered area of operation of the MSO as mentioned in the registration granted by the Government. Provisions relating to territory covered or agreements between an MSO and LCO will not affect the direct-to-home platforms.

    The full draft guidelines could be accessed at http://www.trai.gov.in/WriteReadData/WhatsNew/Documents/Interconnection_Regulation_14_10_2016.pdf

    Also Read:   TRAI on carriage fee, other issues in draft interconnect guidelines

  • TRAI issues comprehensive interconnect draft guidelines

    TRAI issues comprehensive interconnect draft guidelines

    NEW DELHI: Indian broadcast regulator came out today with its third set of draft guidelines within five days — this time on interconnection issues. With an aim to bring about more uniformity and transparency in the broadcast carriage sector, TRAI attempts to tackle spiralling carriage cost, rampant discount schemes and uneven agreements between stakeholders, while creating room for distribution cost reimbursement.

    As often reiterated by the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT), TRAI said no broadcaster will provide signals of pay television channels to a distributor of television channels without entering into a written interconnection agreement with such a distributor of television channels.

    In the draft regulations, called the Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable Services) Interconnection (Addressable Systems) Regulations, 2016, published by TRAI today, the regulator said all broadcasters and distributors (DPOs) will publish on their websites a draft reference interconnection offer (RIO) for providing signals of all its pay television channels to a distributor of television channels within 30 days of commencement of these regulations or before launching of a pay television channel, in conformance with the provisions of the regulations and tariff orders notified by it.

    It also said that every broadcaster shall offer all television channels on a-la-carte basis to distributor of television channels. But it will be open to a broadcaster to offer its pay channels (in addition to offering of channels on a-la-carte basis) in form of bouquets.

    The draft inter-connect guidelines have been prepared after keeping in view the various orders and litigations pending in TDSAT or courts arising out of disputes between broadcasters and distributors or local cable broadcasters.

    Stakeholders have been asked to respond to the draft by 28 October 2016, with the year-end deadline for the final switch-off of analogue signals under the Digital Addressable Systems (DAS) less than three months away.   

    Interestingly, TRAI also dwells on carriage & placement fee — something that broadcasters have been saying is a growing menace hitting their bottomline — and discounts indicating how the issue can be tackled. 

    No carriage fee is to be paid by a broadcaster if the subscription of the channel is more than or equal to 20 per cent of the subscriber base. The rate of carriage fee has been capped at 20 paisa per channel per subscriber per month and the fee amount (charged by DPOs from TV channels) will decrease with increase in subscription numbers.

    In what could lead to some serious work in arithmetic, TRAI has suggested the distributors of TV channels may offer discounts on the carriage fee rate declared by them not exceeding 35 per cent of the rate of the carriage fee declared. Further, broadcaster can offer to a distributor a minimum of 20 per cent of the maximum retail price (MRP) of its pay channels or bouquets of pay channels as distribution fee. TV channels may also offer discounts on the MRP, provided that the sum of discounts and distribution fee in no case shall exceed 35 per cent of the declared MRP.

    The carriage fee payable by a broadcaster to the distributor under the interconnection agreement shall be calculated on the basis of the rate of carriage fee and the discounts offered in the reference interconnection offer. The term of the interconnection agreement will in no case be less than one year from the date of commencement of the agreement.

    The Authority suo-motu or otherwise may examine the reference interconnection offer submitted by a distributor of television channels and may modify the reference interconnection offer with the distributor amending the RIO accordingly and publish the same within fifteen days of receipt of the direction, if the Authority is of the opinion that the RIO has not been prepared in conformance with the provisions of the regulations and the tariff orders notified by the Authority.

    Pointing out that the new draft has attempted to keep the basic principles of non-exclusivity, non-discrimination, transparency, level playing field and fair competition in mind, TRAI said there should be a common interconnection framework for all addressable systems, DTH, HITS, DAS and IPTV.

    The “Must carry” provision for all addressable systems on first come first serve basis has been provided for and distributors have been asked to publish information about its platform, including available capacity and declare the rate of carriage fee.

    It will be mandatory for service providers to reduce the terms and conditions of all their interconnection agreements to writing and no service provider will provide for any clause in an interconnection agreement with the other service provider which would require, directly or indirectly, the latter to pay a minimum guaranteed amount.

    Furthermore, no broadcaster will provide signals of pay television channels to a distributor of television channels without entering into a written interconnection agreement with such distributor of television channels.

    The regulator said no broadcaster will provide for any clause, directly or indirectly, in an interconnection agreement with a distributor of TV channels which require such distributor to include the channels or bouquets of pay TV channels in any particular bouquet of channels offered by such distributor to the subscribers.

    A broadcaster may sign the interconnection agreement with distributors of TV channels for a-la-carte pay TV channels or bouquets of pay television channels of its subsidiary company or holding company or subsidiary company of the holding company which has obtained, in its name, the down-linking permission for its television channels from the Government, after written authorization by them.

    Every broadcaster will enter into a new written interconnection agreement with distributors of TV channels before the expiry of the existing interconnection agreement and notice of this will be given to the distributor at least 60 days prior to the date of expiry.

    The agreement between a broadcaster and a multi system operator (MSO) will include the details for describing the territory for the purpose of distribution of signals of television channels containing the registered area of operation of the MSO as mentioned in the registration granted by the Government. Provisions relating to territory covered or agreements between an MSO and LCO will not affect the direct-to-home platforms.

    The full draft guidelines could be accessed at http://www.trai.gov.in/WriteReadData/WhatsNew/Documents/Interconnection_Regulation_14_10_2016.pdf

    Also Read:   TRAI on carriage fee, other issues in draft interconnect guidelines

  • TRAI attempts greater transparency via auditor empanelment

    TRAI attempts greater transparency via auditor empanelment

    NEW DELHI: While it remains to be seen if the provisions of the Interconnect draft will have a salutary effect on the cases pending before the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal but the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India appears to have learnt some lessons, at least as far as subscription and audit of systems go.

    There are clear provisions that every distributor of TV channels will provide to the broadcaster complete and accurate subscription report for channels or bouquets of channels of such broadcaster within fifteen days from the end of each calendar month in the specified format.

    It has been made clear that the broadcaster will disconnect the signals of television channels after giving three weeks’ prior written notice to the distributor if the distributor fails to provide the subscription reports under this regulation for immediately preceding three consecutive months.

    On the basis of subscription report, the broadcaster will issue monthly invoice to the distributor for pay channels or bouquets of pay channels and such invoice will clearly specify the current payment dues and arrears, if any, along with the due date for payment.

    The broadcaster will allow a time period of at least 15 days to the distributor for making payment from the date of receipt of invoice by the distributor.

    The broadcaster will have no claim on any arrears amount which has not been specified by him in the immediate next three consecutive invoices issued after the due date for the invoice to which arrears pertain.

    In case the distributor fails to provide the subscription report within the period of 15 days from the end of the month, the broadcaster will have the right to raise a provisional invoice for an amount increased by ten per cent of the licence fee payable by the distributor for the immediate preceding month, and the distributor will be under obligation to make the payment on the basis of such provisional invoice.

    It will be mandatory for the distributor to carry out reconciliation, between the provisional invoice and the final invoice raised by the broadcaster on the basis of the subscription report sent by the distributor, within three months from the date of issue of such provisional invoice.

    Similar provisions have been provided for every distributor to issue monthly invoice to the broadcasters with whom the written interconnection agreements have been entered into for carrying channels for payment of the carriage fee amount payable by such broadcaster along with the subscriber base in the target market and the subscription report for the channels of the broadcaster carried by the distributor of television channels in the format specified and such invoices will clearly specify the current payment dues and arrears, if any, along with the due date for payment.

    Every distributor of television channels will carry out an audit of its subscriber management system, conditional access system and other related systems by an auditor to verify that the subscription reports made available by the distributor to the broadcasters are complete, true and correct once in a calendar year, and issue a audit report to this effect for the each concerned broadcaster.

    TRAI itself may empanel auditors for this purpose and the distributors will have to compulsorily get the SMS audited by these. Any variation due to audit resulting in less than zero point five per cent of the billed amount will not require any revision of the invoices already issued and paid.

    However, if a broadcaster is not satisfied for any reason, it may get an audit carried out not more than once in a calendar year.

    If such audit reveals that additional amounts are payable to the broadcaster, the distributor will pay such amounts along with the late payment interest rate specified by the broadcaster in the interconnection agreement within 10 days and if such amount including interest due for any period exceed the amounts reported by the distributor to be due for such period by two per cent or more, the distributor shall pay all of the broadcaster’s costs incurred in the conduct of such audit, and take any necessary actions to avoid such errors in the future.

    Every distributor will offer necessary assistance to auditors so that audits can be completed in a time-bound manner.

  • TRAI attempts greater transparency via auditor empanelment

    TRAI attempts greater transparency via auditor empanelment

    NEW DELHI: While it remains to be seen if the provisions of the Interconnect draft will have a salutary effect on the cases pending before the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal but the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India appears to have learnt some lessons, at least as far as subscription and audit of systems go.

    There are clear provisions that every distributor of TV channels will provide to the broadcaster complete and accurate subscription report for channels or bouquets of channels of such broadcaster within fifteen days from the end of each calendar month in the specified format.

    It has been made clear that the broadcaster will disconnect the signals of television channels after giving three weeks’ prior written notice to the distributor if the distributor fails to provide the subscription reports under this regulation for immediately preceding three consecutive months.

    On the basis of subscription report, the broadcaster will issue monthly invoice to the distributor for pay channels or bouquets of pay channels and such invoice will clearly specify the current payment dues and arrears, if any, along with the due date for payment.

    The broadcaster will allow a time period of at least 15 days to the distributor for making payment from the date of receipt of invoice by the distributor.

    The broadcaster will have no claim on any arrears amount which has not been specified by him in the immediate next three consecutive invoices issued after the due date for the invoice to which arrears pertain.

    In case the distributor fails to provide the subscription report within the period of 15 days from the end of the month, the broadcaster will have the right to raise a provisional invoice for an amount increased by ten per cent of the licence fee payable by the distributor for the immediate preceding month, and the distributor will be under obligation to make the payment on the basis of such provisional invoice.

    It will be mandatory for the distributor to carry out reconciliation, between the provisional invoice and the final invoice raised by the broadcaster on the basis of the subscription report sent by the distributor, within three months from the date of issue of such provisional invoice.

    Similar provisions have been provided for every distributor to issue monthly invoice to the broadcasters with whom the written interconnection agreements have been entered into for carrying channels for payment of the carriage fee amount payable by such broadcaster along with the subscriber base in the target market and the subscription report for the channels of the broadcaster carried by the distributor of television channels in the format specified and such invoices will clearly specify the current payment dues and arrears, if any, along with the due date for payment.

    Every distributor of television channels will carry out an audit of its subscriber management system, conditional access system and other related systems by an auditor to verify that the subscription reports made available by the distributor to the broadcasters are complete, true and correct once in a calendar year, and issue a audit report to this effect for the each concerned broadcaster.

    TRAI itself may empanel auditors for this purpose and the distributors will have to compulsorily get the SMS audited by these. Any variation due to audit resulting in less than zero point five per cent of the billed amount will not require any revision of the invoices already issued and paid.

    However, if a broadcaster is not satisfied for any reason, it may get an audit carried out not more than once in a calendar year.

    If such audit reveals that additional amounts are payable to the broadcaster, the distributor will pay such amounts along with the late payment interest rate specified by the broadcaster in the interconnection agreement within 10 days and if such amount including interest due for any period exceed the amounts reported by the distributor to be due for such period by two per cent or more, the distributor shall pay all of the broadcaster’s costs incurred in the conduct of such audit, and take any necessary actions to avoid such errors in the future.

    Every distributor will offer necessary assistance to auditors so that audits can be completed in a time-bound manner.

  • Eleventh IDOS to commence in Goa today

    Eleventh IDOS to commence in Goa today

    GOA: The 11th Indian Digital Operators Summit (IDOS 2016) is slated to be flagged off today evening – 30 September — at south Goa’s prestigious Hotel Leela. India’s largest gathering of India’s broadcast, distribution, investment, technology players and the regulators is happening at a time when the industry is grappling with issues related to the government mandated digital addressable system (DAS) which seeks to digitize India’s 100-million viewer strong cable TV ecosystem.

    While two phases of DAS have been progressing gradually, the third phase has been stalled awaiting a decision from the Delhi high court. The logjam despite, the countdown to the fourth phase deadline of 31 December 2016, has commenced.

    It’s challenging times for the whole video distribution ecosystem. OTT live streaming and VOD platforms, telco companies are all marching into what was traditionally a broadcaster, cable TV operator’s or DTH or HITS operator’s turf. And, though they are yet to come up with robust business models, some of them have deep pockets. DTH players, on the other hand, are beginning to bear the fruits of their early investments in delivering quality, transparent services across India.

    Churn rates are stable, and, in fact, the subscriber numbers for many of these players are rising.

    A large part of the smaller cable TV community — especially in phase III and phase IV – is fragmented, undercapitalised and is fearful for its future and, in some areas, is resisting digitisation. Larger MSOs have brought in some organization to the ground in phase I and phase II over the past few years and will continue doing so as the years pass by, even in the interiors. Niggling issues such as interconnection and tariff agreements, carriage fees with broadcasters continue to seek resolution.

    Free to air DTH services such as DD FreeDish serve the needs of some of the viewers in the heartlands. And HITs platforms are waiting on the sidelines and are hoping to plug the infrastructure gap for delivering video signals to the undercapitalized cable operators in the phase III and phase IV areas.

    The regulators, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India and the ministry of information and broadcasting, are seeking to put in place a regulatory framework which would fuel DAS nationally, keeping everyone’s interests in mind.

    “It is against this backdrop that IDOS 2016 is being held,” says Indiantelevision.com founder, CEO & editor in chief Anil Wanvari.

    “Over the years it has proved to be a fertile ground for moving the needle on distribution further. We hope this year’s DAS will also help in supporting the progress.”

    Among the major speakers at IDOS are: DEN Networks CEO SN Sharma, Prasar Bharati CEO Jawahar Sircar, Hathway Cable CEO Jagdish Kumar, Times Television Network CEO M.K. Anand, Sony Pictures Networks India executive vice president and head – digital business, Uday Sodhi, Indusind Media CEO Tony D’Silva, Walt Disney Co India vice president Nikhil Gandhi, Asianet Satellite Communications president & COO G.

    Sankaranarayana, India Cast EVP Amit Arora, Ortel Communication CEO Bhibhu Rath, CastleMedia executive director Vynsley Fernandes, Reliance BIG TV business head Vivek Garg, GTPL COO Shaji Matthews, Akamai head of mobile strategy Vijay Kolli and regional vice president, media sales Sid Pisharoti, Chrome Data CEO Pankaj Krishna, and TRAI adviser Sunil Kumar Gupta.

    The conference will end on 1 October late evening.

    Among the partners who have come forward to support IDOS 2016 are:
    Walt Disney Co India (Title Partner); Discovery India (Summit Partner), Elemental and Hathway (Associate Partner), Akamai Technologies (CDN Partner), Friends MTS, Sony Pictures Network and Zee Distribution Networks (Support Partners), SES (Name Badge Partner), and IndiaCast (LanYard Partner).

  • Eleventh IDOS to commence in Goa today

    Eleventh IDOS to commence in Goa today

    GOA: The 11th Indian Digital Operators Summit (IDOS 2016) is slated to be flagged off today evening – 30 September — at south Goa’s prestigious Hotel Leela. India’s largest gathering of India’s broadcast, distribution, investment, technology players and the regulators is happening at a time when the industry is grappling with issues related to the government mandated digital addressable system (DAS) which seeks to digitize India’s 100-million viewer strong cable TV ecosystem.

    While two phases of DAS have been progressing gradually, the third phase has been stalled awaiting a decision from the Delhi high court. The logjam despite, the countdown to the fourth phase deadline of 31 December 2016, has commenced.

    It’s challenging times for the whole video distribution ecosystem. OTT live streaming and VOD platforms, telco companies are all marching into what was traditionally a broadcaster, cable TV operator’s or DTH or HITS operator’s turf. And, though they are yet to come up with robust business models, some of them have deep pockets. DTH players, on the other hand, are beginning to bear the fruits of their early investments in delivering quality, transparent services across India.

    Churn rates are stable, and, in fact, the subscriber numbers for many of these players are rising.

    A large part of the smaller cable TV community — especially in phase III and phase IV – is fragmented, undercapitalised and is fearful for its future and, in some areas, is resisting digitisation. Larger MSOs have brought in some organization to the ground in phase I and phase II over the past few years and will continue doing so as the years pass by, even in the interiors. Niggling issues such as interconnection and tariff agreements, carriage fees with broadcasters continue to seek resolution.

    Free to air DTH services such as DD FreeDish serve the needs of some of the viewers in the heartlands. And HITs platforms are waiting on the sidelines and are hoping to plug the infrastructure gap for delivering video signals to the undercapitalized cable operators in the phase III and phase IV areas.

    The regulators, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India and the ministry of information and broadcasting, are seeking to put in place a regulatory framework which would fuel DAS nationally, keeping everyone’s interests in mind.

    “It is against this backdrop that IDOS 2016 is being held,” says Indiantelevision.com founder, CEO & editor in chief Anil Wanvari.

    “Over the years it has proved to be a fertile ground for moving the needle on distribution further. We hope this year’s DAS will also help in supporting the progress.”

    Among the major speakers at IDOS are: DEN Networks CEO SN Sharma, Prasar Bharati CEO Jawahar Sircar, Hathway Cable CEO Jagdish Kumar, Times Television Network CEO M.K. Anand, Sony Pictures Networks India executive vice president and head – digital business, Uday Sodhi, Indusind Media CEO Tony D’Silva, Walt Disney Co India vice president Nikhil Gandhi, Asianet Satellite Communications president & COO G.

    Sankaranarayana, India Cast EVP Amit Arora, Ortel Communication CEO Bhibhu Rath, CastleMedia executive director Vynsley Fernandes, Reliance BIG TV business head Vivek Garg, GTPL COO Shaji Matthews, Akamai head of mobile strategy Vijay Kolli and regional vice president, media sales Sid Pisharoti, Chrome Data CEO Pankaj Krishna, and TRAI adviser Sunil Kumar Gupta.

    The conference will end on 1 October late evening.

    Among the partners who have come forward to support IDOS 2016 are:
    Walt Disney Co India (Title Partner); Discovery India (Summit Partner), Elemental and Hathway (Associate Partner), Akamai Technologies (CDN Partner), Friends MTS, Sony Pictures Network and Zee Distribution Networks (Support Partners), SES (Name Badge Partner), and IndiaCast (LanYard Partner).

  • TDSAT gives final opportunity to MSO to resolve disputes, clear payments to Star, Sun

    TDSAT gives final opportunity to MSO to resolve disputes, clear payments to Star, Sun

    NEW DELHI: City Digital Network has been directed by the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal ‘by way of last indulgence’ to pay the second instalment of Rs 2.5 lakh to Star India by 26 July 2016.

    While directing Star India to reconnect the signals to the MSO, member B B Srivastava had on 22 June 2016 directed it to clear payment to Star India in two instalments.

    Listing the matter for 29 August, the Tribunal on 20 July 2016 said the broadcaster would be at liberty to disconnect the signals if the MSO still defaulted.

    The signals to the MSO were to be restored on payment of the first instalment of Rs one lakh by 24 June 2016.

    Star India Counsel Saurabh Srivastava told the Tribunal that the second instalment of Rs 2.5 lakh had not been cleared but the signals were being continued as the Tribunal had not given the liberty to disconnect in the event of non-payment and so the MSO continued to enjoy the signals.

    In the order of 22 June 2016, the Tribunal had also directed the parties to meet at a mutually convenient date to resolve differences and work on a new interconnect agreement.

    Meanwhile in another matter, Sun Distribution Services Pvt Ltd informed the Tribunal that City Digital Network had not cleared fifty per cent of the amount due at the time of disconnection despite the orders of the Tribunal.

    While permitting Sun to file its rejoinder, the Tribunal clarified that this order did not preclude the two sides from coming to the negotiating table.

    The matter was thereafter listed for 19 August 2016.

  • TDSAT gives final opportunity to MSO to resolve disputes, clear payments to Star, Sun

    TDSAT gives final opportunity to MSO to resolve disputes, clear payments to Star, Sun

    NEW DELHI: City Digital Network has been directed by the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal ‘by way of last indulgence’ to pay the second instalment of Rs 2.5 lakh to Star India by 26 July 2016.

    While directing Star India to reconnect the signals to the MSO, member B B Srivastava had on 22 June 2016 directed it to clear payment to Star India in two instalments.

    Listing the matter for 29 August, the Tribunal on 20 July 2016 said the broadcaster would be at liberty to disconnect the signals if the MSO still defaulted.

    The signals to the MSO were to be restored on payment of the first instalment of Rs one lakh by 24 June 2016.

    Star India Counsel Saurabh Srivastava told the Tribunal that the second instalment of Rs 2.5 lakh had not been cleared but the signals were being continued as the Tribunal had not given the liberty to disconnect in the event of non-payment and so the MSO continued to enjoy the signals.

    In the order of 22 June 2016, the Tribunal had also directed the parties to meet at a mutually convenient date to resolve differences and work on a new interconnect agreement.

    Meanwhile in another matter, Sun Distribution Services Pvt Ltd informed the Tribunal that City Digital Network had not cleared fifty per cent of the amount due at the time of disconnection despite the orders of the Tribunal.

    While permitting Sun to file its rejoinder, the Tribunal clarified that this order did not preclude the two sides from coming to the negotiating table.

    The matter was thereafter listed for 19 August 2016.

  • TDSAT recalls order asking Taj TV to continue signals to UCN Cable

    TDSAT recalls order asking Taj TV to continue signals to UCN Cable

    NEW DEHI: The Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal has recalled its order of 9 June last year asking Taj Television to continue its signals to UCN Cable Networks Pvt Ltd holding the “view that the petitioner no longer deserves any indulgence by the Tribunal.”

    While passing its interim order last year, the Tribunal had said the multi-satellite operator should deposit a sum of Rs. 1.5 crore within a week and another sum of Rs. 1.5 crorewithin four weeks from the date of the first payment.

    However, the Tribunal in its order on 3 June noted that Taj TV counsel Tejveer Singh Bhatia had now said that the outstanding dues against the MSO now stood at Rs 4.5 crores.

    Noting that no one had appeared for the MSO, the Tribunal also observed the matter had been referred to the Mediation Centre where also “there was no regular appearance on behalf of the petitioner.”

    The Tribnal listed the matter for 28 July but said “In case no one appears for the petitioner on the next date, the petition may be dismissed for non–prosecution without prejudice to any claim of the respondent.”

    The petition by UCN Cable had been filed last year against the disconnection notices but according to the notices by Taj TV, the dues against UCN Cable for DAS and non-DAS areas amounted to Rs 4,40,36,870 as on 20 April 2015. In pursuance of the notices, the respondent had disconnected the supply of its signals to the petitioner on 27 May 2015.

    UCN Cable had also been asked in June last year to pay to Taj TV monthly subscription fees according to the invoices raised by Taj TV and told that in case of default in payment of the installments and / or monthly subscription fees as per the invoices of Taj TV, it will be open to the broadcaster to disconnect the supply of its signals without any further orders from the Tribunal.

    As per information provided on Taj Television’s website, the company distributes a suite of 49 leading television channels belonging to ZEEL, Zee Media Corporation Limited and Turner International India Private Limited.