Section 50 in Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable) Services Standards of Quality of Service and Consumer Protection (Addressable Systems) Regulations, 2017
50. Consultations were held with the stakeholders as to whether any financial disincentives for QoS non compliance are to be imposed for violation of QoS provisions. In the draft regulation, the financial disincentives prescribed for MSOs/LCOs in addressable TV services were made applicable across all platforms. One stakeholder submitted that unless TRAI ensures compliance of QoS regulations at the end of DPOs, any attempt to implement the tariff order and/or Interconnect Regulations would have an adverse and cascading impact on all stakeholders. Another stakeholder submitted that there are no punitive measures prescribed in the regulations in the form of financial disincentives and/or recommendation of cancellation of licence in the event of default. Therefore, the Authority has made provisions for designating a Compliance Officer by DPOs who would ensure the compliance of QoS norms prescribed in these regulations. It is observed that the broadcasting services related to television are being delivered to consumers through digital addressable systems in most areas of the country and the process of digitization is expected to be completed by completion of phase-IV. In case of major DPOs, the basic infrastructure for implementing the QoS regulations is already available on ground. However, in case of smaller MSOs, adequate time frame may be required for implementation of the framework. The Authority will continue to monitor the implementation and compliance of the QoS provisions by the DPOs and if required, and review the matter at appropriate stage for consideration of financial disincentive for non compliance of prescribed QoS provisions and benchmarks.
