Question : HIKING CABLE CHARGES

(a) whether the Government are aware the Cable Operators in the country particularly in the Metropolitan Cities and National Capital Regions have made a Cartel and are harassing the Cable Subscribers by charging an exorbitant monthly rent of about Rs. 360/- since May 2002;

(b) if so, the action taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to direct the Cable Operators to bring the monthly rent with a reasonable limit;

(c) whether the Government have received any representations from Delhi subscribers against the heavy hike in the monthly charges;

(d) if so, the details thereof and the action taken by the Government in this regard; and

(e) if not, the reasons therefor?

THE MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING (SMT. SUSHMA SWARAJ)

(a) to (e): The Government has received complaints/representations from subscribers, resident welfare associations and representatives of the people regarding arbitrary and frequent increases in the cable subscription charges. Representations have also been received in this regard from the subscribers of Delhi. At present, there are no legal provisions enabling Government to regulate subscription charges. The Government has, therefore, moved a Bill to amend the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 to provide for mandatory viewing of pay channels through an Addressable System. The Bill has been passed by the Lok Sabha on 15th May, 2002. The legislation will help consumers in making choice regarding channels they wish to see and pay for.