More FTA Channels in Initial NCF Slab Likely to Bring Back Subscribers After the new Trai tariff regime, almost every subscriber complained of increased TV subscription. Earlier, there was nothing as Network Capacity Fee (NCF), but mandatory charges of Rs 153 every month means subscribers faced at least 20% increased bills. Consumers even urged that Trai should bring down the NCF price to less than Rs 100. However, Trai is having other plans. Instead of reducing the NCF price altogether, the sector regulator will provide almost twice the number of channels in the initial slab of Rs 130 (Rs 153 with taxes). For the unaware, the National Tariff Order 1.0 offered just 100 channels in the base slab of Rs 130, and including taxes, the charges become Rs 153. After which, subscribers are being charged Rs 23 per month for every slab of additional 25 channels, inclusive of all taxes. So if a customer chooses FTA channels other than the initial slab of 100 channels, then they will have to pay additional charges for every channel they select. This irked a lot of users back then. While NCF pricing was an issue for the majority of customers, there were some who were disappointed with the additional FTA channel charges. The NTO 2.0 changes this. Trai is planning to offer 200 FTA channels with the base slab of Rs 130, so subscribers will not have to worry about increased NCF charges for additional FTA channels. Trai Tariff Order 2.0 Might Make TV Subscriptions Affordable by 14% The Trai tariff regime fully became effective on April 1, 2019, and the subscriber base immediately dented in the quarter. The active pay DTH user base declined drastically in Q2 2019 as subscribers faced increased TV bills and sub-par implementation of tariff regime from the operators. The new rules mean the DTH and Cable TV subscriptions will become affordable by up to 14%, says ICRA. “These changes in tariff could potentially lower the direct-to-home (DTH)/cable bills of the subscribers by up to 14% from the present levels and encourage subscribers to exercise their right to choose and opt for a-la-carte channels,” Icra said in a statement. The implementation of NTO 2.0 was scheduled to happen by March 1, 2020. However, broadcasters have waged war with Trai seeking relief at various local courts and the final verdict on the same is expected to come out on February 12.
