| In
the Appeal No. 11 C of 2006 filed by then
Siti Cable, the MSO had prayed that they be
given part of the share from the Rs 77 for
FTA channels, which as per the original Cas
regulation goes entirely to the local cable
operators.
Trai
had decided to give the entire FTA accruals
to the LCOs since, in its opinion, the MSOs
would get substantial money from "carriage
fees" from broadcasters.
Before
Trai had finalised the regulation, Siti
Cale had argued in the consultation process
that in Cas areas, because of digital feed,
which allows for a greater number of channels
to be fed, "carriage fees" had
become redundant.
In
the course of the case too, Siti Cable argued
that they should get a share of the FTA
monies not only because "carriage fees"
had become redundant, but also because the
MSOs had to make the largest volume of technological
and infrastructural inputs that cost them
a huge amount of money, hence.
The
court has observed that a full year has
elapsed since the implementation of Cas;
hence, it is necessary that Trai take a
look at the revenue sharing arrangement.
TDSAT
has maintained that Trai should invite stakeholders
to send their comments and documentation,
which industry sources say would include
evidence that the MSOs have not received
"carriage fees" for feeding the
channels from broadcasters in the mandated
Cas areas.
It
has also said that after taking all factors
into account, Trai must review the situation
and see what needs to be done in the interest
of natural justice.
Trai
has been granted two and half month of time
for the process to be completed.
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