In order to ensure that cable TV and direct-to-home (DTH) companies are complying with new regulatory norms, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has roped in state-owned Broadcast Engineering Consultants India (BECIL) for conducting audits. The TRAI, which had earlier warned of action against operators found to be flouting the new tariff order and regulatory regime, said that audits in this regard will begin soon.
BECIL will be conducting the audit on behalf of TRAI to ensure compliance with the new regulatory framework. TRAI Secretary S K Gupta said ‘we request all distribution platform operators (DPOs) to ensure compliance with the new regulatory framework in letter and spirit’. Gupta said that a decision is being taken on the companies that would face the audit of systems. He further stated DTH and Cable TV operators will be randomly selected and audit will be conducted to see if they are in compliance with the new regulatory framework.
TRAI unveiled a new tariff order and regulatory regime for the broadcast and cable sector to facilitate consumers to opt for channels they wish to view and pay only for them. It had said every channel should be offered a la carte, with a transparent display of rates on electronic programme guide. The regulator also clarified that DTH and cable operators cannot force consumers to go in for only predefined packages or bouquets.