In a strong move that could reshape the regulatory landscape of India’s broadcast sector, the All India Digital Cable Federation (AIDCF) has formally urged the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to reject the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)’s recent recommendation on reducing—and eventually waiving—the license fee levied on Direct-To-Home (DTH) operators.

In an official statement released on its LinkedIn handle, the AIDCF expressed deep concern over the adverse implications such a policy shift could have on the cable television ecosystem. The Federation highlighted that this recommendation, if implemented, would aggravate the existing regulatory disparity between DTH and Digital Cable operators. It further warned that this move could severely impact the business viability of Multi System Operators (MSOs) and Local Cable Operators (LCOs), putting at risk the livelihoods of over 10 lakh individuals directly dependent on the cable TV distribution sector.

One of the key structural disparities pointed out in AIDCF’s representation is the access DTH operators have to spectrum free of cost, granted administratively. In contrast, cable TV operators continue to bear heavy financial burdens, including substantial Right of Way (RoW) charges and ongoing capital expenditures for underground cabling and infrastructure deployment.

Calling for equitable regulation, the AIDCF stated that rather than waiving or reducing DTH license fees, a fairer approach would be to recover the full commercial value of the spectrum allotted to DTH players. Such a step, the Federation believes, would help foster a balanced, competitive, and inclusive broadcasting ecosystem.

AIDCF’s post strongly advocates for fiscal prudence and fairness, urging the government to ensure that no segment of the distribution sector is unfairly disadvantaged in the pursuit of regulatory reforms.