Multi System Operators to provide signals of TV channels to LCOs only with written interconnection agreement- (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) (17 Aug 2016)

MANU/TRAI/0091/2016

Media and Communication

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) issued a cautionary to all multi system operators to provide signals of TV channels to LCOs only with written interconnection agreement. The Telecommunication (Broadcasting and cable services) Interconnection (Digital Addressable Cable Television Systems) Regulations, 2012 requires that no Multi System Operator shall make available signals of TV channels to any linked local cable operator without entering into a written interconnection agreement and MSO shall handover a copy of the interconnection agreement signed by the MSO & LCO to the respective LCO within 15 days and obtain an acknowledgement thereof.

TRAI has also notified formats of the Model Interconnection Agreement (MIA) and Standard Interconnection Agreement (SIA) to be signed between MSOs and LCOs, so that there is a level playing field and less disputes between MSOs and LCOs. While the MIA enables MSOs and LCOs to have a mutual agreement in a structured manner in line with the regulatory framework, the SIA provides standard terms and conditions prescribed by the regulation that can be adopted by MSOs & LCOs for retransmission of TV signal, if they fail to mutually agree on MIA.

It has been brought to the notice of TRAI that some MSOs are alluring LCOs to provide signal without entering into written interconnection agreement. Such arrangements are against the interconnection regulations and also may result in disputes. Accordingly all MSOs are advised not to venture into such deals/arrangements whose are liable to be punished under the TRAI Act.

Tags : TV CHANNELS SIGNALS WRITTEN INTERCONNECTION AGREEMENT