No blackout of subscribed TV channels: TRAI

New Delhi, Dec 27:  The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on Wednesday assured consumers that there will be no disruption of TV services due to the new regulatory framework for broadcasting and cable services order’s implementation amid speculation that there may be a blackout of subscribed channels.

        The TRAI, in March, 2017, had notified the new regulatory framework for Broadcasting and Cable services and re-notified it on July 3, 2018, prescribing the implementation schedule.

        The authority has noticed that there are messages circulating in the media that there may be a black-out of existing subscribed channels on TV screens after December 29, when the new order comes into effect, the TRAI said in a statement.

        Hence, there will be no disruption of TV services due to implementation of the new regulatory framework, TRAI said.

        “Keeping in view the interest of the subscribers, and to enable a smooth transition, the Authority is preparing a detailed migration plan for all the existing subscribers. The migration plan will provide ample opportunity to each and every subscriber for making informed choice,” it said.

        This will also enable service providers in carrying out the various activities as stipulated in the new regulatory framework in a time-bound manner, the TRAI said.