The regulatory framework for cable and broadcasting services has been modified by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). According to the revisions, channels with an MRP of Rs. 19 or less can only be included in a bouquet. The channel would only be available à la carte if it costs more than Rs 19. Additionally, when pricing its bouquet of pay channels above the total MRPs of all the pay channels in that bouquet, a broadcaster may offer a maximum discount of up to 45%.
According to TRAI, “all television channel distributors shall ensure that services to subscribers are provided, with effect from February 1, 2023, in accordance with the bouquets or channels they have selected.”
The regulatory body has also stated that discounts provided by a broadcaster as an incentive on the maximum retail price of a pay channel must be based on both an a-la-carte and a bouquet subscription to that channel. On February 1st, 2023, the NTO 2.0 will go into effect.
