Axom Communications & Cable Pvt. Ltd. (ACC), a leading multi system operator (MSO) in Northeast India, has raised serious concerns over non-payment of dues by Cobol Communication Pvt. Ltd., the broadcaster of PEAR TV.

The issue stems from a placement agreement signed between both companies, under which 50 percent of the placement fee was to be paid in advance by the broadcaster and the remaining 50 percent by August 31, 2025, a statement from Axom Communications stated.

According to the ACC statement, the advance payment was made prior to the execution of the agreement and Cobol Communication Pvt. Ltd. has failed to clear the remaining dues despite multiple reminders from ACC.

The MSO alleged that such delays in payment from broadcasters like Cobol were causing significant financial strain on cable operators across the region.

MSOs like ACC invest heavily in ensuring uninterrupted content delivery to their subscribers. However, the non-payment of placement fees disrupts their operations, impacts cash flow, and challenges their ability to maintain quality services, ACC asserted.

“If broadcasters fail to honour their commitments, MSOs are left with little choice but to absorb the losses or pass the burden on to consumers in the form of higher subscription costs,” the statement read.

The company further warned that continued defaults of this nature could ultimately affect end subscribers, leading to either increased cable TV prices or a decline in service quality across the Northeast, particularly in cities like Guwahati where ACC operates.

ACC has urged Cobol Communication to clear the outstanding dues at the earliest to ensure smooth business relations and uninterrupted services for subscribers. “The broadcast ecosystem functions on mutual trust and timely financial commitments. Defaults not only disrupt operations but also hurt consumers who rely on cable television for news, entertainment, and connectivity,” the company stated.

The matter has sparked discussion among local media operators who note that delays in broadcaster payments have become increasingly common, especially in smaller markets like the Northeast where margins are tighter. Many are now calling for stronger industry-level regulations to ensure accountability and protect the interests of both MSOs and subscribers.