Mumbai: No TV dramas for three more days, at least

Crores of viewers across Maharashtra are clueless about their favourite soap operas, as broadcasters have snipped the signal to entertainment TV channels because multiple-system operators won't roll out recent rate hikes in subscription. The operators said they are speaking to the broadcasters about reduction in the steep hike of 30 per cent. "We are fighting for consumers," one of them said, adding that they are hoping for a resolution in the next two-three days. The signal to entertainment television channels - Disney Star, Zee Entertainment, Sony Pictures - were disconnected some three days back.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) recently allowed major broadcasters to increase the tariff of their channels. Following which, the broadcasters asked the operators to increase the tariff by 30 per cent. However, the multiple-system operators (MSO), who provide services to at least 4.5 crore residents across the state, refused to roll out the new rates.

The broadcasters switched off the signal of entertainment channels three days back. Representation pic

Opposing the hike, the MSOs went on a strike, saying the new rates are not affordable. A 30 per cent hike in the cable packages will come around Rs 150, they said. The new rates will leave no scope for competition with the OTT market, which is booming, they argued.

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If the hiked tariff plans are rolled out, operators may end up losing customers, they said. MLA Anil Parab, who is also a multiple-system operator, said, "Through TRAI, the rate in tariff plan increased by 30 per cent, following which broadcasters were told to make new agreements with the MSOs.

We are against this agreement and are on a strike. We are fighting for the consumers, as they will have to pay the hefty hike in tariff plans. We have demanded changes in the agreement and are speaking to the broadcasters. We hope for a resolution in the next two-three days."

Another cable operator alleged that broadcasters make money from everywhere. "People think that cable operators are making money and we are the ones increasing the traffic plan. However, only the broadcasters benefit at the end of the day. They earn from advertisements, too," said Pankaj Kotecha, who runs Kotecha cable in Kandivli West.

"According to the rules, in an hour, broadcasters can run advertisements for only 6 minutes and promotions for 2 minutes. However, they are not following this rule. They are making money by breaking the rules. We are already losing consumers and if we start charging consumers the new rates, they would stop using cable TV," Kotecha said.

30%
Hike in tariff plan of cable packages