PUNE: December 29 is fast approaching and there is no clarity on the implementation of new policy of Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). Advocate Satish Kambiye, President, United Cable Operators Association said, “TRAI is misleading the cable TV subscribers with their hoax of a new policy being ‘customer beneficiary’ when in fact, its the other way round.” He was interacting with the media at Patrakar Bhavan on Monday.

He slammed TRAI for making a policy based on the comments by less than 150 citizens and ignoring discussions with cable TV operators from major cities. The implementation is going to spell disaster for lakhs of cable TV operator employees due to closing of the business, he said. 

Samir Javalkar, Vice President of the Association, said that cable TV operators are providing over 300 channels in Rs 250 plus. This move will leave the hapless subscribers no option but to opt for DTH or IPTV service. This is a ploy to wipe out the the cable TV operators who are giving the channels at low cost. Once wiped out, the broadcasters and Multi Spectrum Operators (MSO) will charge the customers as per their will. He assured that there will be no ‘blackout’ for cable TV subscribers but only Free to Air (FTA) channels will be available. The association is planning to take the matter to court in coming days.