Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Jan 17: To register their opposition to the initiative of Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to allow consumers to choose the television channels of their choice, and also against the DTH policy, cable TV operators organizations all over the country have decided to put off cable televisions from 6 am to 10 pm on January 24 in south India.

Speaking to the media, president of Karnataka State Cable TV Operators Association, Patric Raju, said that the operators have decided to stop beaming of programmes in south India on January 24 in the interests of the customers and cable tv operators. "The new policy proves burdensome for the consumers. Crores of families including cable tv operators and other families dependent on this industry will driven to streets. Therefore, we are forced to fight against this policy," he stated.

"Currently, consumers are able to watch 400 to 450 channels by paying Rs 300 to 350 per month. As per the new policy, consumers can watch 100 channels at a cost of Rs 154 per month. Thereafter, for every channel of their choice, they have to pay extra money, which will be huge burden on the people. Under the new policy, people pay more and watch less channels. Still, the government is going ahead with the application of new TRAI policy," he said.

He explained that the cable tv operators will face problems and their income would be hit as per the new policy. "How can we serve people if we do not get income?" he wondered.