MUMBAI: Digicable subscribers have stopped getting the 46 channels distributed by Sun18 North but negotiations are on to resume the service.
Effectively, channels like Colors, CNN IBN, CNBC TV18, Sun TV and Hungama will not be available to all Digicable subscribers in Central, North, West and East India. Sun18 North distributes channels from Viacom18, Network18, Sun TV Network and Disney.
Sun18 North said it had to take the harsh step following non-payment of subscription fees and breach of agreement by Digicable.
A senior Digicable official, however, said the carriage fee issue is part of the dispute.
Sun18 had given Digicable a 21-day notice to settle the delayed subscription payments, failing which it would black out the channels. The deadline ended on 12th April.
Sun18 North COO Gaurav Gandhi said that while conversations have been on, the channels are still switched off. “The issue has not been sorted out and all our channels remain switched off as we speak on Digicable network across Central, North, West and East India.”
The commercial dispute is expected to be settled within the next four days.
"Digicable wants its carriage terms to be revised but Sun18 is resisting as it has a three-year deal with the multi-system operator. The dispute should be resolved by Tuesday," a source familiar with the development said.
