Telecom Regulator Seeks Views on Tariff for 'Commercial Subscribers'

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has initiated a consultation process to discuss with stakeholders tariff issues related to broadcasting and cable TV services for "commercial subscribers".

In a statement on Wednesday, the broadcasting sector regulator said that the matter of tariff for commercial subscribers has been under judicial scrutiny since 2005, before both the Telecom Disputes Settlement Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) and the Supreme Court.

The authority, meanwhile, based on the interim order of the Supreme Court dated October 19, 2006, had issued Tariff Amendment Orders on November 21, 2006 applicable on commercial subscribers, the statement said.

These orders too were contested before the judicial forums, it added.

"In the latest order dated April 16, 2014, the Supreme Court has directed that for a period of three months, the impugned tariff, which is in force as on today, shall continue. Further, within these three months, TRAI shall look into the matter de novo and shall re-determine the tariff after hearing the contentions of all stakeholders," it said.

The regulator further said the issues for discussion in the consultation paper brought out by it are definitions of terms 'commercial subscriber', 'commercial establishment', manners of offering of TV services to the commercial subscribers and various alternatives of tariff for commercial subscribers.

After releasing the consultation paper, TRAI asked stakeholders to submit their views by June 27.

In the consultation paper, TRAI explains that subscribers of broadcasting and cable TV services are basically of two kinds - on one hand there are the ordinary subscribers who consume TV services domestically and for their own pleasure, while on the other hand there are commercial subscribers who obtain TV services for the benefit of their clients, customers etc., at their commercial establishment.