The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) will soon allow interoperability between cable service and DTH (direct-to-home) service providers, allowing users to change their cable operators, similar to the telecom sector. The regulator will consult the MSOs and DTH operators on the matter.
Till now, cable operators and DTH service providers offer their services bundled with a set-top box which cost between INR 1500-2000(US$ 21.88- US$ 29.17). However, if a consumer is not satisfied with his service provider, he is forced to buy a new set-top box from the other operator because of technical issues. Even the amount paid for the box is non-refundable.
In this context, TRAI is framing its views on the issue and the final guidelines will be out within a couple of months, said sources. A consultation paper on draft tariff order, prescribing framework for commercial interoperability of customer premises equipment – set top box – in DTH services was floated in February last year. However, the final recommendations are pending. TRAI will now float a new concept paper on the same issue asking for ways to implement interoperability.
“The idea is to allow operability between cable operators and DTH service providers just like we can use our mobile phones. This will help consumers immensely and will promote competition while improving quality of services,” said a senior TRAI official. In telecom segment, mobile number portability is allowed, enabling users to change service providers while retaining their mobile numbers.
This proposed TRAI move is also likely to bring down the cost of set-top box. The concept paper will seek inputs from the industry and consumers. TRAI will work with all stakeholders to come out with standards and specifications for the set-top boxes to make portability a success in the cable broadcasting space. The smart card, which has a device similar to mobile SIM, will work on any set-top box, regardless of the operator.
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