TDSAT issues notice to TRAI on a petition filed by ESPN

[ajuravi]

NEW DELHI: The broadcast tribunal TDSAT on Monday issued notice to TRAI on a petition filed by global sports broadcaster ESPN which is contesting the sectoral regulator's directive to it to provide channels to DTH operators at a rate 50 per cent below cable rates.

Filing a petition before the sectoral tribunal, ESPN submitted that Telecom Regulatory Authority has passed directions to it to modify its reference interconnect offer (RIO) providing channels to Direct-to-Home operators is without any authority.

ESPN further submitted before the TDSAT bench headed by Justice Arun Kumar that TRAI had failed to bring a price regulation mechanism for DTH sector and was just riding on the piggy back on a two years old tribunal's order directing broadcasters to give their channels to DTH operator at 50 per cent rate of cable charges.

This was opposed by TRAI counsels who submitted that ESPN was not following the rules and regulations laid by this tribunal. "There are 17 broadcasters in the country having 124 pay channels and out of that 16 broadcasters with 121 pay channels are following the rules and regulation. Only one broadcaster with three channels is resisting it," submitted TRAI's counsel.

On ESPN's allegation that authority is acting beyond power given to it by the TRAI Act and some other regulations, counsels submitted, "we are going by what everyone is given... Every broadcaster is following the line except them".

The Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal directed the TRAI to file their reply within four weeks.
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News...459790.cms

[Dish]

That means now TRAI also get notice.
I guess ESS price will not be lowered for DTH as they have valid point of investing huge money in rights.

[ajuravi]

I think if ESS agrees to it then i believe the channel cost should be less then 30 rupees to view its 3 channels..........

[ajuravi]

:hello:Govt issues notice to ESPN for DTH pricing norm violation
9 Sep, 2008, 1955 hrs IST, PTI

NEW DELHI: The government has issued a show-cause notice to sports broadcaster ESPN asking it explain why its downlinking licence should not be revoked for violating guidelines on pricing plan for Direct-To-Home operators.

Highly placed sources in the Information and Broadcasting Ministry said the broadcaster, which has three channels-- ESPN, Start Sports and Star Cricket-- has been given 15 days time to respond.

When contacted, ESPN India officials declined to comment. The sources said the decision comes in the wake of TRAI recommendation to the ministry seeking suspension of the sport broadcaster's downlinking licence over the issue.

"TRAI had issued certain directive over pricing of channels offered to DTH operators. The company did not adhere to the norms laid down by the government, which led to the issue of the notice," sources added.

TRAI had even moved the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate against ESPN for non-compliance of its directives. A city court today issued summons to the top officials of the company to appear before it on November 27.

The broadcast regulator had filed a case last month seeking prosecution of sports broadcaster ESPN for non-compliance of its direction on pricing plan for Direct-To-Home operators.
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News...464162.cms

[Dish]

What's going on there?
TDSAT issue notice to TRAI and now Gove issue notice to Brodcasters.

[ajuravi]

Means now govt is also entering into the battle and i hope in this battle we the customers get benefits.

[ajuravi]

On the other hand, the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) has issued notice to TRAI on a petition filed by ESPN, which is contesting the regulator's directive to it to provide channels to DTH operators at a rate 50 per cent below cable rates. TDSAT has directed TRAI to file their reply within four weeks.
http://www.televisionpoint.com/news2008/...1220942596

[Dish]

Well if ESS will win the case then it will be bad news for Dish TV as they will charge same rates from them to form new contract
If they lost the case then it is good news for us Tatasky and BIG TV users.

[ajuravi]

I think the decision will be in favour of DTH only........

[Dish]

Yes and it also help us to save some 25Rs from currunt price as they are giving Star Cricket at same Rate 28 Rs for DTH and Cable.