Trai's Cable Tariff Paper Asks if India Is Ready for Pay-per-View TV

It is questions like these that broadcasting sector regulator Trai is seeking to answer in a comprehensive consultation paper launched by it as it looks at the various tariff models for cable TV.

The paper looks at a range of tariff-related matters, from the issue of carriage fees which broadcasters have to pay to distribution platforms to concerns related to providing consumers with wider viewing choice at a reasonable price.

The paper, which seeks comments from stakeholders, asks whether it is a good idea to separate free-to-air and pay channel bouquets so that more flexibility is provided to the subscriber.

The paper also looks at various price models as it seeks to ascertain which would be suitable at the wholesale level in the broadcasting sector.

Another question asked in the consultation paper is how should the price of the HD channel be regulated to protect the interests of subscribers.

In a statement in New Delhi, Trai said the consultation process is being carried out with the objective of holding a review of the current tariff arrangements.

The aim of the exercise is to enable growth of the sector while also ensuring that subscribers have adequate choice without being subjected to irrational tariff structures, it added.