Broadcasters, IPTV players reach consensus on rates

NEW DELHI: Provision of television content widespread on Internet may soon become a reality with Telecom Regulatory Authority of India evolving a consensus between broadcasters and service providers on rates.

Service providers feed television content for Internet users after getting them from broadcasters. This service is called Internet Protocol Television (IPTV).

"However some service providers have experienced difficulties in getting television channels from broadcasters at prices which DTH service providers are given," a TRAI release issued here today said.

To resolve this problem, TRAI had held discussions with both the parties last month, where a consensus was reached to adopt a non-discriminatory price regime.

TRAI said the broadcasters have agreed to offer contents to IPTV service providers at the same rates, at which they offer it to DTH operators. The rate would be 50 per cent of the prices applicable for non-CAS cable television networks.

TRAI expressed hope that this consensus would help in facilitating faster growth of IPTV in the country.