Amendments to the TRAI Interconnection Regulations, Tariff Order and Quality of Standard Regulations for Broadcasting and Cable Services

TRAI has by its notification dated January 1, 2020 further amended the following regulations governing broadcasters and distributors: (a) Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable) Services Interconnection (Addressable Systems) Regulations, 2017; (b) Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable) Services (Eighth) (Addressable Systems) Tariff order, 2017; and (c) Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable) Services Standards of Quality of Service and Consumer Protection Regulations, 2017. The original regulations introduced in 2017 (collectively known as NTO) entirely overhauled the manner in which the packaging, pricing and distribution of television channels was carried out. These new amendments (collectively known as NTO 2.0) have made several key amendments to the pricing and packaging requirements, primarily relating to the composition and pricing of bouquets of television channels. NTO 2.0 has been challenged by various stakeholders including broadcasters, cable operators and distributors and producers before various High Courts in India and these proceedings are currently pending adjudication.