The newspapers are flooded with stories about the DTH players (Airtel & Tata) complaining to TRAI about the plans of “JIO Fiber Backup” to offer live TV channels at prices that contravene the TRAI’s Tariff Order which regulates broadcast services. The readers should note that earlier both TRAI and the broadcast industry were at loggerheads over the pricing of broadcast channels. TRAI was driving these rules with the intent of empowering the consumer with the freedom to choose channels at will and by need — than being imposed by the industry through the process of forced bundling. The Broadcasters challenged the TRAI in court but with limited success and therefore were left with no options but to comply (Latest — MRP, & Bouquet of Pay channels offered by Broadcasters).
Now, to me, the current situation (tussle between Airtel vs RJIO) is NOT a surprise, as I saw this coming long back and had written extensively about it in the past. On this note, I plan to explain this complex situation as simply as possible and conclude by laying down some recommendations.
