TRAI launches app to let people select and pay for only cable channels they want to watch

• The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has launched a new app — ‘Channel Selector Application’ — dedicated to cable TV pricing and subscriptions.
  
• The new regulations will come into effect from 1 February 2019.
  
• This will let viewers select packages and calculate monthly rentals.

As the new pricing model for cable TV comes into play from next month, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has launched a new app — ‘Channel Selector Application’ — to help people pick channels they want to watch.

Starting next month, consumers will be able to customize channels as per their choice, and pay per use. Cable TV companies in India have been asked to adhere to these regulations latest by 31 January.

With the deadline approaching, the app is aimed to help viewers of cable TVs or DTH select the channels they want rather than automatically be enrolled in monthly packages that include channels people don’t want to watch.

Giving viewers the choice to select their preferred channels could make their monthly bills cheaper.

Calculating bills

The app can be accessed through TRAI’s official website. It will simplify information on channels and their Maximum Retail Price (MRP), and will help calculate rentals.

Just like online shopping platforms, the web-based service contains filters to choose from — including price, service provider and language among others — which can help in price comparison. The application will then show up channels to select from and calculate the bill for the selected ones.

It’s yet to be seen whether this revives the fortunes for cable TV channels as they compete with increasing number of digital content and video streaming services.

The relaxed pricing scheme is likely to fetch more viewers for cable TVs and broadcast media, at least in the short term.

See also:
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