Option to select channels lauded

MUMBAIITES will now be able to select channels they want to watch following the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s (TRAI) decision to enforce the a la carte offer by the broadcasters of the channels.

‘‘The decision is the biggest consumer-friendly move by TRAI, so far. The pay package for a consumer will reduce as most viewers watch select channels of their choice,’’ said Consumer Guidance Society of India (CGSI) Chairman A V Shenoy at a press conference on Tuesday, adding that it would also abandon useless channel viewing and improve the quality of programmes.

The conference was jointly organised by CGSI and the Bombay Telephone Users Association (BTUA) to discuss TRAI’s decision on Conditional Access System- related issues. ‘‘As the price will drop from Rs 8.50 to Rs 5, the quality of programmes will also improve, thereby promoting healthy competition,’’ added Shenoy.

Condemning the free-to-air (FTA) rate fixed at Rs 77 per month for 30 FTA channels, the CGSI and the BTUA said it should not be more than

Rs 30 to Rs 35 per month.

‘‘For organised viewing of 25 FTA channels, all members of a housing society in Goregaon pay only Rs 20 per month. This shows that TRAI needs to revise its price,’’ Shenoy said, while stressing the need for the regulatory authority to prevent pay channels from airing ads.

He concluded: ‘‘Additional benches of tribunals should be set up for consumers.’’