Indian TV viewers get more time to pick the channels they want to watch

• Viewers now have until March 31 to choose the channels they want to buy.
• The new rules for cable television had come into effect on February 1.
• Deadline has been extended following complaints of higher cost to consumers and missing channels.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has extended the time for selection of channels for viewers under the new subscription model for cable television.

According to an ET NOW newsflash, customers now have until March 31 to pick the channels they want to pay for.

The new norms that kicked in from February 1 intended to give the viewers to pay only for the channels they want to watch, and the regulator hoped that this would bring the cost down for the consumers.

However, there were unintended consequences.Viewers have complained of multiple discrepancies ranging from missing channels to hiked prices.

Earlier in January, the TRAI chairman RS Sharma had clearly stated that the deadline won’t be extended for cable TV operators and that instead, operators should reach out to consumers to ensure the latter adapt to it.

A CRISIL report too pointed out that the new pricing model will lead to higher prices, which was rubbished by the regulator.

Following a flood of complaints from users on social media, TRAI had directed channels to address the issues immediately while also sending a show-cause notice to Airtel after consumers complained of a blackout.

See Also:
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