Pics: Umesh Marpalli

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD)

Udupi, Dec 18: Udupi District Cable Operators' Association (R) staged a protest against the central government’s tariff order on Tuesday, December 18 in DC’s Office, Udupi.

Addressing the media, Kamalaksha Pai, secretary of Udupi District Cable Operators Association (R) said, “Presently for an amount of Rs 150 to Rs 300, we are providing more than 300 channels. But if the new tariff rates of TRAI are applied then the customers should pay Rs 130 and GST for very few channels. Only some of the channels are provided free under this rule. These channels have very less viewership. If these tariff rates are applied, the middle class and people from marginalized communities need to spend more money for the cable service.”

Kiran Kumar, a cable operator said, “TRAI has fixed very high rates for the channels. It has fixed Rs 19 for the popular channels. Government is projecting as if cable operators are looting people. But in reality, government and TRAI may have received a big amount of bribe from Reliance and other foreign companies. As Reliance is also planning to enter the cable market in January, government is preparing a clear ground for them to operate.”

“There is not a single reference about the cable operators in TRAI circular. TRAI has received kickback to implement this policy. I request the PM to interfere in this matter and re-check the policy and save both the operators and consumers,” Kumar stressed.

Association member Satyajith Surathkal said, “In Udupi district we started cable business with a minimal charge of Rs 70 to Rs 100. Today the customers are paying Rs 300. But if the new tariff rates are applied the customers have to pay more than Rs 700 to watch their favourite channels. All the popular channels are charged high. Cable operators are paying all type of taxes such as professional tax, service tax etc. With the growing size of the industry there came Multi System Operator (MSO). Now the MSO’s are trying to highjack the industry”.

“Under the new tariff scheme for a normal viewer to watch 12 Kannada entertainment channels, he needs to shell out Rs 91.05 and in addition pay Rs 265 for the free channels. Whereas now we are providing all type of channels just for Rs. 250. This rule will be a burden to the consumers,” he added.

T K Kotian, president Udupi District Cable Operators Association (R) said, “Local cable operators have not been given any importance by TRAI and MCO’s. We were providing free channels like Doordarshan for free. But under the new tariff rates, free channels are charged at Rs 130 and GST. We have invested lot money and we are not getting any subsidy from government to establish our business. Customer may have to pay more than Rs 800 to watch handful of channels”.

T K Kotian, president Udupi district cable operators association (R) Rama Poojary and other cable operators of the district took part in the protest. The protestors submitted their appeal to the district commissioner to forward the same to prime minister.

A large number of local cable operators from Udupi district participated in the protest.