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Trai looking to relax cable pricing mechanism once DTH kicks in
MUMBAI: Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) chairman Pradip Baijal has expressed the hope that once the Tata-Star DTH platform T-Sky launches next year the market would explode with three players. It would provide some much needed competition to cable.
When there is competition, at least at the upper end of the market, Baijal said Trai could then look at relaxing the pricing mechanism for cable.
Right now the price is indexed to the inflation rate. Baijal stressed the importance of regulating the industry in a way that did not impede growth. The job of the regulator, he said, was to ensure that the market mechanism encouraged healthy competition. He noted that the cable model does not allow for competition at the home level. The argument that there should be two cable lines in one area that will allow for consumer choice is not a feasible solution, according to the Trai chief.
Baijal was speaking this morning while inaugurating the 14th edition of the cable television tradeshow Scat which kicked off in Mumbai.
As for IPTV, Baijal pointed out that while at the moment it is difficult to know about a viable business case, eventually internet streaming of television content would happen. It is just a matter of upgrading the network. He pointed out that at one time there were doubts expressed about voice calls through the internet.
To illustrate the benefits of a regulatory regime, he gave the example of the telecom sector. From 1948-1998 there was a two per cent achievement in teledensity. However, since then each year around two per cent has been added. He however pointed out that regulation takes time to take effect. Trai had recommended regulations for the telecom sector in 1997 and the effects were felt from 2000. Trai only started regulating cable television from last year.
He expressed concern that broadband had still to take off despite a broadband regulatory framework being put in place last year. He is hopeful that the rural telecom regulations that have been put forth will be accepted by the government. The regulations suggest among other things the setting up of a broadband mechanism for rural areas.
Trai has also put forth recommendations for unified licensing in the cable TV arena. If this goes through then technologies like set top boxes that are on display at Scat will be useful. The cable TV network could then be used to provide interactivity. Baijal said that the regulator recognises that cable TV, voice market and broadband can co-exist.
As far as the vexed Cas issue is concerned Baijal says that while Trai has put forth recommendations on the same it is doubtful whether it will come about as a government effort. It will need private operators i.e. cable ops, broadcasters to come together and work out a solution. He noted that in Chennai a special set of circumstances had enabled Cas to come into effect. Trai is till working on issues like whether clubbing together of channels should be allowed, he noted.
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.
