IndiaCast UTV channels to be available on a la carte on Dish TV, rules TDSAT

The tribunal orders both the parties for follow TRAI guidelines. IndiaCast UTV asked to stop running the advertisement against Dish TV

BestMediaInfo Bureau | Delhi | December 20, 2013

When Dish TV kicked off its ‘on request’ campaign on November 15, 2013, making IndiaCast UTV channels the first target, perhaps it didn’t realise that it will backfire. While Dish TV was running scrolls on its platform making IndiaCast UTV channels available on request, IndiaCast UTV released ads urging Dish TV subscribers to call Dish TV’s call centre numbers to continue enjoying these channels as part of their subscription at no extra cost. The ad went so far as to suggest Dish TV subscribers to get a new connection from alternate service providers like Tata Sky, Airtel, Videocon d2h, Hathway, DEN and IN Digital.

Both the parties immediately moved to TDSAT (Telecom Disputes Settlement Appellate Tribunal) that ordered both the parties to follow TRAI guidelines. As per the order, Dish TV will have to offer IndiaCast UTV channels on reference interconnect offer (RIO) terms and on a la carte basis. Dish TV was ordered to modify the scroll advertising its ‘on request’ offer saying the IndiaCast UTV channels are available on a la carte basis.

At the same time, the tribunal ordered IndiaCast UTV to stop running the advertisement against Dish TV.

Speaking to BestMediaInfo.com, Anuj Gandhi, CEO, IndiaCast UTV, said, “I want both the parties to  follow the regulations set by TRAI as ruled by TDSAT. If the channels are run a la carte, please run them a la carte and pay me accordingly. If you are running channels on pack, then you have to pay me on that pack. We are satisfied with TDSAT judgement.”

In a statement issued to media after the TDSAT judgement, Dish TV too claimed victory. Its statement said: “The TDSAT has disposed of the petition of IndiaCast and has upheld the On Request Scheme of Dish TV where the channels of IndiaCast will be provided by Dish TV to its subscribers on ala carte basis. On the petition of Dish TV, the TDSAT has also directed IndiaCast to stop publishing advertisements against the ORC scheme of Dish TV. Dish TV has also been allowed to run the scrolls publishing the ORC scheme by mentioning that the channels will be available on ala carte basis.”

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