The Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) has rejected the plea of broadcasters seeking a stay on the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s (TRAI) regulation regarding pay channels on DD FreeDish, The Economic Times reported today.

The regulation, issued on July 8, 2024, mandates changes in the tariff structure for pay channels offered on DD Free Dish, India’s free-to-air Direct-to-Home (DTH) service.

In its ruling, TDSAT directed broadcasters to publish a new Reference Interconnect Offer (RIO) within two weeks in accordance with the revised regulations, the ET report said.
(https://m.economictimes.com/industry/media/entertainment/media/tdsat-declines-stay-on-dd-free-dish-pay-channel-regulation-gives-broadcasters-two-weeks-to-comply/articleshow/116466388.cms )

The regulation has been a point of contention among broadcasters, who argue that it imposes unfair limitations on their pricing and distribution models.

DD Free Dish, operated by Prasar Bharati. The ruling is expected to impact how broadcasters position their channels on DD Free Dish while potentially reshaping the dynamics of India’s pay-TV market.