Telecom Dispute Tribunal refuses to stay TRAI's order

New Delhi: The Telecom Dispute Settlement and Appellate Tribunal has refused to stay TRAI’s orders to broadcasters to make channels available on a la carte basis. Broadcasters Zee-Turner, Star India and Set Discovery had filed a plea for a stay of the order applicable to non-Conditional Access System areas, and sought to allow consumers more option in the choice of channels they paid for.

During the proceeding, the TRAI counsel submitted that action would be taken against broadcasters who violate the regulation. The October 4 directive had set December 1 as the deadline for broadcasters to allow cable operators to choose channels out of bouquets.

Broadcasters have argued that the move would not benefit customers, but only allow Multi-System Operators (MSOs) to dictate prices of channels. Broadcasters reportedly offered to provide channels on a la carte basis to the customers but not the MSOs.