In the wake of annual losses to the tune of Rs 280-320 crore suffered by broadcasters and cable operators due to non-payment of commercial subscription fee by hotels, restaurants and hospitals, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has invited comments from the parties concerned on issues pertaining to commercial tariff for broadcasting and cable TV services in commercial establishments.

Several cable operators had sent legal notices to erring hotels, hospitals and restaurants for committing offences of receiving, re-distributing, displaying and ’pilfering’ the signals of the channels in their premises and not paying commercial tariffs.

“We are glad that Trai has invited comments in this matter. We hope that Trai will make it mandatory for hotels and restaurants to pay cable charges as per fixed commercial tariff,” industry sources told FE.

The Trai consultation paper raises major issues like fixing of tariffs for commercial purposes. It will also seek opinion on the definition of commercial and non-commercial consumers apart from the methodology of determining commercial tariffs.

“This paper is a part of this exercise. Prior to its issue, consultations had been held with the hotel and restaurant industry as well as with the broadcasters. Inputs received during this interactions have been included in the paper,” the Trai paper said. The last date for submitting comments and suggestions is May 12.

According to industry estimates, there are over 84,000 hotel rooms in India that show pay channels like Zee, Sony, Star and ESPN without paying the commercial tariff.

( www.financialexpress.com)