This raises the serious question about the intent and objective of the so-called independent regulator.An international expert on the Indian broadcasting sector said the television sector was a creative one and should not be treated like a "service” sector by Trai. Data clearly shows that the hike in monthly subscriptions of `130 plus GST and another `20 extra for 25 additional channels are the direct reason for the spike. "Does Trai understand how the creative sector works? Or does it still deem broadcasting a service, that was its mandate when it was given charge of regulating the telecom sector?”A major grouse against the regulator is that it applies a disproportionate amount of regulation on broadcasters and distributors.It was believed by domain experts that if there are any changes to the contours of broadcast tariffs, it could have cataclysmic consequences for the state of the country’s cable and satellite television sector.It is felt cable operators did not heed the requirements of subscribers, but push their own set of TV channels which suits their business interests. However, there has been a hue and cry by consumers due to the increase in monthly subscriptions, putting the spotlight back on Trai, the broadcast sector regulator.

The market at ground level also shows that subscribers, who are price conscious, feel they are shortchanged by distributors with the help of Trai by not only increasing their monthly subscriptions but also effectively reducing the number of TV channels available to them.Sources said the problem may be that the regulator does not go to the bottom of the issue on what caused the hike in consumer bills in the NTO.Sources said the problem may be that the regulator does not go to the bottom of the issue on what caused the hike in consumer bills in the NTO.Under the old regime, distributors did not charge more than Rs 100 for a base pack, and also used to offer China Coaxial Cables Factory 150-odd channels. New Delhi: The Indian broadcasting sector is in turmoil and looking at a reduced number of pay TV subscribers by millions after the announcement of a new consultation paper by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India on the tariff order, barely six months after the New Tariff Order (NTO) was introduced in February this year. Smaller regional and news channels who are the real voice of regions may have to shut as the distribution cost isn’t sustainable for them if Trai does not rein in cable operators, sources said. The stakeholders have also raised questions about the mandatory carriage of Doordarshan channels as part of the 100 channels. However, under the new regime, the total basic monthly payout gives only 100 FTA channels, and the distributors have the upper hand on what to offer

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