From Dec, new cable TV tariff in non-CAS areas

New Delhi: Broadcast regulator TRAI on Thursday fixed a ceiling of Rs 77- Rs 260 on monthly cable TV charges in non-CAS areas.

The step was taken to bring the tariffs in non-CAS areas on par with those in CAS areas and DTH services.

The new charges, which are excluding taxes and depend on the package of channels, would be effective from December 1, 2007.

The measure is expected to enable multi-service operators and cable TV providers to choose a package specific to subscribers in the locality and reduce the tariff-burden of unwanted channels on the users.

For the purpose of calculating tariff, TRAI has divided the country into three categories — ‘A’ class cities, ‘B’ class cities and an ‘other’ category.

In category ‘A’ cities, various ceilings ranging between Rs 77 per month (in case of only free to air channels) and Rs 260 per month (free to air plus more than 45 pay channels) have been prescribed.

“It needs to be remembered that these are the maximum rates, excluding taxes, beyond which the cable operators cannot charge from the consumers. These ceilings on the monthly cable charges compare very well with those of CAS areas and DTH services,” PTI quoted TRAI chairman Nripendra Misra as saying.

According to the order, the rates of bouquets and stand-alone channels as existing on December 1 cannot be increased by more than 4 per cent by the broadcasters.

For accessing a minimum of 30 free-to-air channels, subscribers across the country would have to pay Rs 77 per month.

TRAI also stated that the ala-carte of each channel cannot be more than three times the average rate of the pay channel in the bouquet.

The new order would effectively protect the interests of cable TV subscribers without hampering the growth of cable TV services, the regulator said.

For 30 FTA and 20-45 pay channels, cable operators can charge only in the range of Rs 130-260 depending upon the town or city.

TRAI said there would be forbearance in tariffs in respect of hotels in three-star or above category and for commercial establishments having more than 50 rooms.