Dish TV to offer basic channels for free

With the first wave of digitalisation just round the corner, Dish TV has announced a new package for consumers in the four metros - New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai. Under this package viewers in these four metros will be eligible to receive a basic channel tier comprising of 70 channels free of cost for life.

According to the recommendation by Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), all cable MSO's are currently offering the basic tier of channels for Rs. 100 per month.

This new scheme from Dish TV is for now available only to the new subscriber but the company has indicated that it will be soon announcing something on this lines for the existing Dish TV users as well.

Speaking on the occasion, R.C. Venkateish, Chief Executive Officer, Dish TV said, "This is a highly differentiated and extremely consumer friendly move. Consumers in the four metros are apprehensive about this sudden switch off of their highly valued TV viewing. This will translate into huge competitive advantage for Dish TV as none of the other competitors both from cable as well as DTH offer this facility, moreover as stated above Cable operators have already announced a Rs 100 monthly charge for Basic tier, which will be provided free of cost by Dish TV".

"TV viewing is ubiquitous and most affordable means of entertainment in this country. For the subscribers 'switch off' of the services or their TV going blank suddenly cuts of their information and entertainment lifeline. Dish TV is now ensuring that this lifeline never gets cuts of for their valued subscribers. Our endeavor of never ending commitment to our consumers to provide highly differentiated competitive advantage over cable and other DTH making us the platform of choice," says Salil Kapoor, Chief Operating Officer, Dish TV.

However, just like any other scheme, there are a few points to ponder for this one too. Firstly, the users will have to get their set top boxes recharged at least every six month with a minimum of Rs. 200. And secondly, Dish TV is considering period of five years as lifetime.