ITV

Tag: RIO

  • TDSAT directs MSO to pay Rs 2.45 crore as interim payment to Taj TV, sign agreement

    TDSAT directs MSO to pay Rs 2.45 crore as interim payment to Taj TV, sign agreement

    NEW DELHI: Grant lnvestrade Ltd has been directed by the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal to make an on-account payment of Rs 2.45 crore in two equal installments to Taj Television and execute an interconnect agreement on RIO terms effective from 21 June 2016.

    Chairman Justice Aftab Alam and member B B Srivastava said the payments in two equal installments will be first within four weeks of 14 June 2016 and the second .within six weeks from the date of the first payment.

    The interim payments and those under the RIO agreement will be without prejudice to the rights and contentions ofthe parties.

    Taj Television told the Tribunal that its dues in terms of the last interconnect agreement comes to Rs 2.15 crores as on30 April 2016. Adding to it the subscript1on up to 20 June 2016 @ of Rs 92 lakhs per month the dues according toMr. Bhatia, would come to Rs four crore.

    (Justice Aftab Alam has since completed his term at Chairperson of the Tribunal.)

  • TDSAT directs Zeel to sign RIO based interconnect pacts with five MSOs

    TDSAT directs Zeel to sign RIO based interconnect pacts with five MSOs

    NEW DELHI: Five multi-system operators have been asked by the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal to pay Zee Entertainment Enterprise Ltd (Zeel) a sum of Rs 3 crore to enable the signing of an RIO based interconnect agreement.

    Chairman Aftab Alam and member B B Srivastava said the agreement would be from 19 May, the date from which the petitioners are operating on that basis.

    Listing the matter to come up on 16 August, the tribunal on 2 June made it clear that both the payment of Rs 3 crores and the direction for execution of the RIO based agreement is without prejudice to the rights and contentions of the parties and will abide by the final result of the petition.

    The petitions were filed by Fastway Transmission Pvt Ltd, Jagsumi Perspectives Pvt Ltd, Novabase Digital Entertainment Pvt. Ltd, and Radiant Digitek Network Pvt. Ltd against a general notice asking all the MSOs who on the date of issuance (11 May) of the fresh RIO by Zee Entertainment did not have a subsisting interconnect agreement with it to execute an agreement based on the RIO. 

    The petitioners were willing to execute an RIO based agreement until the validity and legality of the RIO coming under challenge in this petition and several other petitions on that issue is finally decided by the tribunal.

    But the tribunal said the difficulty was that Zeel said the petitioners owe the sum of Rs 5.4 crores and odd and unless the dues are cleared, it is not inclined even to enter into the RIO based inter connect agreement. But the petitioners say the dues, if properly worked out, would come down to Rs 1,66,16,726, which the petitioners are agreeable to pay.

  • TDSAT directs Zeel to sign RIO based interconnect pacts with five MSOs

    TDSAT directs Zeel to sign RIO based interconnect pacts with five MSOs

    NEW DELHI: Five multi-system operators have been asked by the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal to pay Zee Entertainment Enterprise Ltd (Zeel) a sum of Rs 3 crore to enable the signing of an RIO based interconnect agreement.

    Chairman Aftab Alam and member B B Srivastava said the agreement would be from 19 May, the date from which the petitioners are operating on that basis.

    Listing the matter to come up on 16 August, the tribunal on 2 June made it clear that both the payment of Rs 3 crores and the direction for execution of the RIO based agreement is without prejudice to the rights and contentions of the parties and will abide by the final result of the petition.

    The petitions were filed by Fastway Transmission Pvt Ltd, Jagsumi Perspectives Pvt Ltd, Novabase Digital Entertainment Pvt. Ltd, and Radiant Digitek Network Pvt. Ltd against a general notice asking all the MSOs who on the date of issuance (11 May) of the fresh RIO by Zee Entertainment did not have a subsisting interconnect agreement with it to execute an agreement based on the RIO. 

    The petitioners were willing to execute an RIO based agreement until the validity and legality of the RIO coming under challenge in this petition and several other petitions on that issue is finally decided by the tribunal.

    But the tribunal said the difficulty was that Zeel said the petitioners owe the sum of Rs 5.4 crores and odd and unless the dues are cleared, it is not inclined even to enter into the RIO based inter connect agreement. But the petitioners say the dues, if properly worked out, would come down to Rs 1,66,16,726, which the petitioners are agreeable to pay.

  • TRAI extends time for interconnect agreement reactions

    TRAI extends time for interconnect agreement reactions

    NEW DELHI: Several stakeholders have complained to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India that most consumers are not even aware of the rates of various television channels and so the local cable operators were at the receiving end as they had to deal with the viewers.

    At an Open House discussion on the interconnection network for broadcasting TV Services distributed through addressable systems most stakeholders comprosing local cable operators and multi system operators raised issues that they said needed greater introspection. Cable Operators President of India President Roop Sharma said there was shortage of set top boxes and the consumer was not aware of what STB he should acquire.

    K K Sharma who edits Cable Quest said that no attention had been paid to the entry of OTT and the cross ownership that has come with this new phenomenon. The agreement has to be clear on this issue.

    Later, TRAI extended the date by one week to 10 June for comments on its consultation paper on
    Interconnect agreements for DAS areas. The date for counter-comments will remain the same – 17 June.

    TRAI had asked stakeholders to give suggestions on how a level playing can be created among different service providers using different addressable systems.

    It wanted to know whether there should be a common interconnection regulatory framework be mandated for all types of addressable systems.

    In the Consultation Paper issued on 4 May, it asked if there is any need to allow agreements based on mutually agreed terms, which donot form part of RIO, in digital addressable systems where calculation of fee can be based on subscription numbers. .

    The Paper has been issued not merely because the country is marching towards the last phase of DAS, but also in view of several judgments of the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal where it has disallowed payments in the absence of agreements despite mutual oral agreements.

    TRAI wants to know how the interconnection agreements entered on mutually agreed terms meet the requirement of providing a levelplaying field amongst service providers can be ensured, and the ways for effectively implementing non-discrimination on ground.

  • TRAI extends time for interconnect agreement reactions

    TRAI extends time for interconnect agreement reactions

    NEW DELHI: Several stakeholders have complained to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India that most consumers are not even aware of the rates of various television channels and so the local cable operators were at the receiving end as they had to deal with the viewers.

    At an Open House discussion on the interconnection network for broadcasting TV Services distributed through addressable systems most stakeholders comprosing local cable operators and multi system operators raised issues that they said needed greater introspection. Cable Operators President of India President Roop Sharma said there was shortage of set top boxes and the consumer was not aware of what STB he should acquire.

    K K Sharma who edits Cable Quest said that no attention had been paid to the entry of OTT and the cross ownership that has come with this new phenomenon. The agreement has to be clear on this issue.

    Later, TRAI extended the date by one week to 10 June for comments on its consultation paper on
    Interconnect agreements for DAS areas. The date for counter-comments will remain the same – 17 June.

    TRAI had asked stakeholders to give suggestions on how a level playing can be created among different service providers using different addressable systems.

    It wanted to know whether there should be a common interconnection regulatory framework be mandated for all types of addressable systems.

    In the Consultation Paper issued on 4 May, it asked if there is any need to allow agreements based on mutually agreed terms, which donot form part of RIO, in digital addressable systems where calculation of fee can be based on subscription numbers. .

    The Paper has been issued not merely because the country is marching towards the last phase of DAS, but also in view of several judgments of the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal where it has disallowed payments in the absence of agreements despite mutual oral agreements.

    TRAI wants to know how the interconnection agreements entered on mutually agreed terms meet the requirement of providing a levelplaying field amongst service providers can be ensured, and the ways for effectively implementing non-discrimination on ground.

  • TDSAT: ZEEL not to disconnect signals to Star Broadband Service

    TDSAT: ZEEL not to disconnect signals to Star Broadband Service

    NEW DELHI: The Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal has directed Zee Entertainment Enterprise Ltd not to give effect to the disconnection notice sent to Star Broadband Services (I) Pvt. Ltd and continue to supply its TV signals in terms of the earlier arrangements subsisting before the issuance of the notice.

    Listing the matter for 9 August, Chairman Justice Aftab Alam and member B B Srivastava felt the validity of the RIO and whether or not it is fully in compliance with the directions of the Tribunal, requires serious consideration.

    It said the expression “earlier subsisting arrangement” would include not only the previous interconnect agreement in writing between the two sides (though it might have expired before the publication of the RIO) but also any carriage agreement / placement agreement / discount agreement etc., in case the latter was co-terminus with the interconnect agreement.

    In the next hearing, the Tribunal may hear the parties and make ‘a proper and equitable interim arrangement till a final decision is rendered on this petition’. However, the Tribunal said “It is made clear in case of any default in payment in terms of the subsisting arrangement, it will be open to the broadcaster to proceed in accordance with law.”

    A reply has been filed on behalf of Zeel. Rejoinder, if any, may be filed within two weeks, the Tribunal said.

    Zeel counsel Tejveer Singh Bhatia had with him in a sealed cover the list of MSOs with whom his client entered into interconnect agreements during the period between the Tribunal’s decision of 7 December ( Noida Software Technology Park Ltd. Vs. M/s ZE Zeel. & Others) and the publication of its RIO on 11 May this year.

    Zeel counsel Meet Malhotra, learned senior counsel appearing for Zee Entertainment submitted that the RIO had been framed and issued directly in pursuance of the Tribunal’s decision and it was being offered on a uniform basis and therefore, there is no reason for the petitioner or for anyone else, not to accept it.

  • TDSAT: ZEEL not to disconnect signals to Star Broadband Service

    TDSAT: ZEEL not to disconnect signals to Star Broadband Service

    NEW DELHI: The Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal has directed Zee Entertainment Enterprise Ltd not to give effect to the disconnection notice sent to Star Broadband Services (I) Pvt. Ltd and continue to supply its TV signals in terms of the earlier arrangements subsisting before the issuance of the notice.

    Listing the matter for 9 August, Chairman Justice Aftab Alam and member B B Srivastava felt the validity of the RIO and whether or not it is fully in compliance with the directions of the Tribunal, requires serious consideration.

    It said the expression “earlier subsisting arrangement” would include not only the previous interconnect agreement in writing between the two sides (though it might have expired before the publication of the RIO) but also any carriage agreement / placement agreement / discount agreement etc., in case the latter was co-terminus with the interconnect agreement.

    In the next hearing, the Tribunal may hear the parties and make ‘a proper and equitable interim arrangement till a final decision is rendered on this petition’. However, the Tribunal said “It is made clear in case of any default in payment in terms of the subsisting arrangement, it will be open to the broadcaster to proceed in accordance with law.”

    A reply has been filed on behalf of Zeel. Rejoinder, if any, may be filed within two weeks, the Tribunal said.

    Zeel counsel Tejveer Singh Bhatia had with him in a sealed cover the list of MSOs with whom his client entered into interconnect agreements during the period between the Tribunal’s decision of 7 December ( Noida Software Technology Park Ltd. Vs. M/s ZE Zeel. & Others) and the publication of its RIO on 11 May this year.

    Zeel counsel Meet Malhotra, learned senior counsel appearing for Zee Entertainment submitted that the RIO had been framed and issued directly in pursuance of the Tribunal’s decision and it was being offered on a uniform basis and therefore, there is no reason for the petitioner or for anyone else, not to accept it.

  • TDSAT: IndiaCast to restore signals to Ortel against interim payment

    TDSAT: IndiaCast to restore signals to Ortel against interim payment

    NEW DELHI: IndiaCast Distribution Pvt Ltd has been directed by the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal to restore signals to Ortel Communications Ltd on receipt of a sum of Rs one crore as an interim measure. Chairman justice Aftab Alam and member B B Srivastava said that both parties should reconcile their accounts and Ortel will make the balance payment within two weeks thereof.

    The matter has been listed for further hearing on 30 May, while noting that Ortel counsel Navin Chawla did not seriously dispute the amounts due,but wanted the signals to be restored and was willing to sign a new interconnect agreement on IndiaCast’s RIO terms.

    Ortel had approached the tribunal against the disconnection notice. According to IndiaCast, Ortel had dues amounting to Rs 1.96 crore as on 31 March when the interconnect agreement came to an end and so the signal was disconnected on 28 March.

    IndiaCast counsel Ramji Srinivasan contended that Ortel had continued to disseminate the signals of his client even after 28 March and should be asked to pay for that as well. However, Chawla contested any allegation of unauthorized transmission.

    The tribunal said this issue could be raised during the reconciliation of accounts and if there was no agreement between the parties, they would have to abide by the order of the tribunal. On restoration of signals, IndiaCast was also free to hold an audit of the headends of Ortel.

    The tribunal also made it clear that after the restoration of signals, the subscription to be paid would be according to IndiaCast RIO terms expected by 1 May, subject to the final order of the tribunal. India Cast was free to disconnect in the event of failure to make payments as directed by the tribunal or non-cooperation during the reconciliation.

  • TDSAT: IndiaCast to restore signals to Ortel against interim payment

    TDSAT: IndiaCast to restore signals to Ortel against interim payment

    NEW DELHI: IndiaCast Distribution Pvt Ltd has been directed by the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal to restore signals to Ortel Communications Ltd on receipt of a sum of Rs one crore as an interim measure. Chairman justice Aftab Alam and member B B Srivastava said that both parties should reconcile their accounts and Ortel will make the balance payment within two weeks thereof.

    The matter has been listed for further hearing on 30 May, while noting that Ortel counsel Navin Chawla did not seriously dispute the amounts due,but wanted the signals to be restored and was willing to sign a new interconnect agreement on IndiaCast’s RIO terms.

    Ortel had approached the tribunal against the disconnection notice. According to IndiaCast, Ortel had dues amounting to Rs 1.96 crore as on 31 March when the interconnect agreement came to an end and so the signal was disconnected on 28 March.

    IndiaCast counsel Ramji Srinivasan contended that Ortel had continued to disseminate the signals of his client even after 28 March and should be asked to pay for that as well. However, Chawla contested any allegation of unauthorized transmission.

    The tribunal said this issue could be raised during the reconciliation of accounts and if there was no agreement between the parties, they would have to abide by the order of the tribunal. On restoration of signals, IndiaCast was also free to hold an audit of the headends of Ortel.

    The tribunal also made it clear that after the restoration of signals, the subscription to be paid would be according to IndiaCast RIO terms expected by 1 May, subject to the final order of the tribunal. India Cast was free to disconnect in the event of failure to make payments as directed by the tribunal or non-cooperation during the reconciliation.

  • 20th Century Fox to open branded resort in Dubai

    20th Century Fox to open branded resort in Dubai

    MUMBAI: Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products has inked an international licensing partnership with Al Ahli Holding Group to build a Fox-branded theme park and resort in Dubai.

     

    This will be the second 20th Century Fox World theme park and the first Fox-branded resort. The deal allows for a roll-out of up to three additional Fox-branded resorts in territories outside Dubai.

     

    20th Century Fox World, Dubai, an immersive entertainment destination, will encompass themed lands featuring unique attractions, rides and retail outlets that will bring to life the studio’s iconic film and television franchises. The licensing partnership with AAHG also calls for the creation of the world’s first Fox-branded resort, where themed rooms and dining opportunities will offer visitors a chance to further immerse themselves in the entertainment brands and rich history of 20th Century Fox. 

     

    Highlights of 20th Century Fox World, Dubai will include: 

     

    – Theme park consisting of themed lands and attractions based on Fox properties, including, Ice Age, Rio, Planet of the Apes, Aliens, Predator, Night at the Museum and Titanic, The Simpsons and Sons of Anarchy.

     

    – A broad attraction mix, ranging from media-based dark rides to thrill rides that will tell new stories based on Fox film and television brands. 

     

    – A themed retail street featuring unique shopping and dining based on Fox properties. 

     

    – The world’s first Fox-themed resort hotel. 

     

    “20th Century Fox World, Dubai is the second Fox theme park destination and marks an important step forward in our global theme park strategy. Fox World will be a world-class destination that will help fuel Dubai’s emergence as a global tourism destination. This park builds on the foundation being laid by 20th Century Fox World, Malaysia, currently under construction,” said Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products president Jeffrey Godsick. 

     

    Al Ahli Holding Group CEO Mohammed Khammas said, “AAHG’s history in the genre of entertainment is replete with successful partnerships with top motion picture studios. We pride ourselves in understanding the pulse of the audience and catering to it with novel and breakthrough projects.”

     

    “Fox’s rich history of great entertainment-based intellectual properties from movies, television shows and animation concepts will help us spearhead this project and add value to our latest offering in the global entertainment space. As part of our international deal with Fox, we look forward to building these attractions and resorts globally starting with Dubai as the first location and additional Fox branded resorts that we hope to open across other territories in the future,” added Khammas.

     

    “We are thrilled to partner with Al Ahli Holding Group on this exciting project. 20th Century Fox World, Dubai will provide an ongoing platform for immersive brand engagement with our consumers from around the world, including key international markets of Europe, Russia and China,” said Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products senior vice president of global live and location based entertainment Greg Lombardo.

     

    “The synergy created by AAHG’s partnership with Fox will enable 20th Century Fox World, Dubai to offer the consumers in the Middle East and global tourists visiting Dubai to experience world-class facilities with unique attractions and retail outlets that will take themed entertainment to a different level,” said AAHG director of investment and strategy Manoj Aheeray. 

     

    20th Century Fox World Dubai is slated to open in 2018, design and production services are being provided by Rethink Leisure & Entertainment.