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Amid uncertainty over NTO 2.0, DPOs start complying with new NCF
MUMBAI: The amended new tariff order (NTO 2.0) comes into effect from today (1 March) amid ongoing legal battles. Although most of the broadcasters have not published their updated Reference Interconnect Offers (RIOs), many of the distribution platform operators (DPOs) have started complying with the regulations bringing change in network capacity fee (NCF).
Along with other amendments, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) had brought changes in number of channels permitted in Network Capacity Fee (NCF) and applicable NCF for multi TV homes. The authority also reduced the maximum NCF charge to Rs 130 (excluding taxes) for 200 channels. It also added that NCF for more than two hundred SD channels, should not exceed Rs 160.
“The network capacity fee, per month, for each additional TV connection, beyond the first TV connection in a multi TV home shall, in no case, exceed forty percent of the declared network capacity fee,” it added.
Tata Sky has also declared its updated NCF. The DTH operator will now charge Rs 153.40 per month for the first 200 SD channels, inclusive of all taxes and Rs 188.80 per month for more than 200 SD channels, inclusive of all taxes. For each secondary connection, it has fixed a NCF of Rs 61.36 per month for the first 200 SD channels, inclusive of all taxes, Rs 75.52 per month for more than 200 SD channels, inclusive of all taxes.
Airtel Digital TV will charge now the same amount as Tata Sky is charging. However, it is charging Rs 52 ( without taxes) for the primary connection and Additional NCF of Rs 30 (taxes extra) for more than 200 channels.
“The network capacity fee, per month, payable by a subscriber (each set top box) for 200 SD channels is Rs 130. The NCF, per month, payable by a subscriber (each set top box) for more than 200 SD channels is Rs 160. For determination of channel count 1 HD channel is equivalent to 2 SD channels as per regulations,” Siti Networks stated.
“The television channels notified by the central government shall be mandatorily available to all the subscribers and shall be in addition to the number of channels available in the network capacity fee. Network capacity fee, per month for each additional TV connection, beyond the first TV connection in a multi TV home shall be forty per cent of the network capacity fee of the Parent STB. The STB with maximum number of channels would be treated as Parent STB,” it added.
Moreover, IndusInd Media & Communications Ltd (IMCL) has mentioned in its website that pricing of some of its packages will be revised downwards with effect from 1 March. It has also mentioned about the new NCF.
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.
