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Cable TV price may reduce as TRAI issues tariff, QofS, interconnect regulations after SC nod
MUMBAI: Cable TV prices are now expected to reduce after Telecom Regulatory Authority of India yesterday issued a series of orders relating to digital addressable systems.
Broadcast carriage regulator TRAI had lined up a slew of guidelines relating to tariff, quality of service and interconnections, including proposing maximum retail price (MRP) for channels being bundled in genre-wise bouquets, freeing unbundled premium channels of price caps and reining in the last mile cable operator (LCO) from breaching revenue-gravy trail.
Sources in TRAI had indicated the regulator had favoured introducing MRP for TV channels that broadcasters offer in a bouquet to MSOs so the prices could be conveyed to a consumer in a transparent manner for him to make an empowered choice. Though broadcasting companies do submit annually a-la-carte rates of their respective channels to TRAI, the regulator was of the opinion that a consumer doesn’t ultimately get to choose the channel of his choice transparently.
Following the green signal from the Supreme Court yesterday morning, TRAI issued a series of orders relating to digital addressable systems.
Apart from the Tariff order which had been issued on 10 October last year, the regulator also issued the DAS Interconnect Regulations which had been issued on 14 October last year, and the Standards of Quality of Service and Consumer Protection (Digital Addressable Systems) Regulations which had been issued on 10 October last year.
In separate press releases, TRAI said the three documents issued in October last year were in draft form. Earlier, the regulator had issued consultation papers on the issues and finalized the regulations after receiving responses from stakeholders and open house discussions, the final regulations have been issued. The regulations had been issued after However, a cursory glance shows that the regulator has stuck to its draft with some incidental changes.
The orders can be seen at:
http://trai.gov.in/sites/default/files/Tariff_Order_English_3%20March_2017.pdf
http://www.trai.gov.in/sites/default/files/QOS_Regulation_03_03_2017.pdf
http://www.trai.gov.in/sites/default/files/Interconnection_Regulation_03_mar_2917.pdf
Earlier, both Star India and Vijay TV had filed a petition in Madras High Court under the Copyright Act on the ground that TRAI could not issue orders that would affect content but could only issue regulations relating to distribution and other matters.
After the High Court stayed all orders issued by it, TRAI appealed to the Supreme Court which this morning said that TRAI was free to issue its orders. However, it said the case in the High Court would continue and would have to be completed within sixty days.
Both channels were also given leave to amend their petitions in the event of TRAI issuing any orders.
Also read:
TRAI tariff & quality of services regulations
TRAI issues comprehensive interconnect draft guidelines
Offer Premium channels as a la carte, don’t bundle: TRAI
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.
