Question : DTH Connections

(a) whether getting free to air channels, particularly Doordarshan channels, on DTH connections is the right of consumer after payment of onetime charges of DTH installation including Dish, Set top box etc. as in case of mobile incoming services;
(b) if so, the reasons as to why DTH service providers are allowed to discontinue services of all free to air channels instantly on the monthly recharge date in case of recharge delay; and
(c) the appropriate action taken/being taken by the Government to ensure that consumers continue to get free to air channels without any interruption even in case of delay in monthly recharge by the consumers?

THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE; MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING; AND MINISTER OF HEAVY INDUSTRIES AND PUBLIC ENTERPRISES

(SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR)

(a) to (c): As per new regulatory framework of Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), the subscribers have to
pay a minimum amount equal to the network capacity fee declared by the distributors of television channels (i.e. the Direct -To-Home (DTH) operators, Multi-System operators (MSO), Headened-In-The-Sky (HITS) operators and Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) operators) which would be a maximum Rs. 130/- (excluding taxes) per month for subscribing a network capacity of upto initial 100 Standard Definition (SD) channels. Payment of network capacity fee (NCF) as declared by Distribution Platform Operators (DPOs) is necessary to be active on the platform and to receive any channel including Doordarshan channels.
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