MUMBAI: The leading multi system operators (MSOs) in Mumbai, except Hathway Cable and Datacom, have agreed to put all Star channels on a la carte. With IndusInd Media and Communications Limited (IMCL) being the first one to agree to the demands of Maharashtra Cable Operators Federation (MCOF), the others including Den Networks, Digicable and Siti Cable have also agreed to give the Star network channels only on viewer’s choice.

Starting immediately, all the Star channels will go off air from all the platforms. “A landmark decision has been taken today. All the leading MSOs have agreed to put Star channels on a la carte, on the rate published by the broadcaster in the Reference Interconnect Offer (RIO),” informs MCOF president Arvind Prabhoo adding that the MSOs have agreed to forego their share and will sell the channels on the RIO price only.

“The last mile owner (LMO), depending on the area he is dealing with, will add the collection charges and give it to his customer,” he says.

As reported earlier by Indiantelevision.com, the cable operators in Mumbai have already started with their surveys to find out which customer wants which Star channels. “We will start informing the customers about the Star channels going a la carte and will switch on those channels which the subscriber wants,” informs Prabhoo adding that the only way to increase the Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) is by putting channels on a la carte.

With all the other MSOs, at least in Mumbai moving to a la carte, one will have to wait and watch the packaging that Hathway comes up with. “We will be announcing the packages by 1 December,” says a source from Hathway.