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TRAI releases consultation paper on tariff issues for TV services
MUMBAI: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has issued its latest consultation paper on tariff issues related to television services.
The regulator has also invited comments and counter-comments on the Consultation Paper from stakeholders by 4 March and 18 March, 2016 respectively.
From the state-owned Doordarshan (DD) to cable and satellite television to advanced delivery platforms like direct-to-home (DTH), Headend-in-the-Sky (HITS), Over-the-Top (OTT) and Internet Protocol Television (IPTV), television has come a long way since DD first beamed its signals in India in 1959. The evolution of the broadcast industry has been driven largely by satellite TV distribution business and unorganised growth of cable TV.
The growth of multiple digital addressable platforms will inevitably lead to a sunset of analog cable TV system in the country. This sheer number and diversity of platforms delivering digital TV signals in an increasingly converged scenario requires an overhaul of the tariff regulatory framework.
TRAI said that in order to cater to innovative growth while protecting the interests of the stakeholders across the value chain, there is a need to institute a consolidated technology neutral regulatory framework for digital addressable systems.
“This consultation is an attempt to create an enabling environment for growth of the sector in the light of various developments related to technology, emergence of multiple distribution platforms, evolving business models, and enhanced addressability across platforms. The consultation process also looks at futuristic issues and emerging challenges,” the Authority said.
In view of the emerging trends in the TV broadcasting sector and changing consumption patterns of the consumers, TRAI said that there was a need to examine the tariff dispensation in a holistic manner.
TRAI listed the objectives of current consultation as below:
1) To carry out a review of existing tariff arrangements and developing a Comprehensive Tariff Structure for Addressable TV Distribution of “TV Broadcasting Services” across Digital Broadcasting Delivery Platforms (DTH/ Cable TV/ HITS/ IPTV) at wholesale and retail level.
2) To ensure that the tariff structure is simplified and rationalised so as to ensure transparency and equity across the value chain.
3) To reduce the incidence of disputes amongst stakeholders across the value chain encouraging healthy growth in the sector.
4) To ensure that subscribers have adequate choice in the broadcast TV services while they are also protected against irrational tariff structures and price hikes.
5) To encourage the investment in the TV sector
6) To encourage production of good quality content across different genres.
Issues covered in the consultation paper:
1) Tariff models at wholesale and retail levels
2) Channel pricing mechanism and methodologies
3) Issues related to Niche Channels
4) Pricing of High Definition (HD) channels
5) Ease of channel or bouquet subscription
6) Channel visibility on Electronic Program Guide (EPG)
7) Pay-per-program viewing and tariff options
8) Variants of channels
9) Carriage, Placement and Marketing fees.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
