TRAI starts consultation process on unregulated services

Broadcasting sector regulator TRAI has begun a consultation process to create a regulatory framework for certain specific services that are provided by cable TV, DTH and IPTV operators on their platforms which they do not obtain from broadcasters and are presently largely unregulated.
In its consultation paper, TRAI explained that TV channel distribution platforms like cable operators, Multi-System operators, Direct to Home (DTH), Headend in the Sky (HITS) or IPTV primarily re-transmit TV channels permitted by I&B Ministry.
TRAI, in the consultation paper, however, said that in addition to the re-transmission of permitted TV channels, some cable TV operators also operate their own local ground-based channels, which generally provide movies, music related programs, local community-based programs, local news and current affairs to their own subscribers.

"These local ground-based channels operated by cable TV operators are presently not subject to any specific guidelines unlike private satellite TV channels permitted under the uplinking/downlinking guidelines of I&B Ministry," TRAI said.
It said TV channel Distribution Platform Operators (DPOs) like cable TV, DTH, IPTV and HITS operators, operated certain kind of programming services which are specific to each platform and are not obtained from broadcasters.
Unlike TV channels broadcast by authorised broadcasters, these services are largely unregulated at present, TRAI said.
Such platform specific services being offered by DPOs include movies and music-related programmes, local community- based programmes, local news and current affairs, interactive games, shopping channels and education channels.

TRAI said the key issues discussed in the consultation paper include definition of Platform Services (PS), types of programmes that can be carried on PS channels, eligibility criteria for registration of PS, security clearance of PS channels and penal provisions for non-adherence to terms and conditions of registration.