MUMBAI: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has again shown forbearance towards multi-system operators (MSOs). The regulator has given another extension to the MSOs and asked them to submit 100 per cent consumer application forms (CAFs) by December end along with the compliance report. The regulator met the five national MSOs and a few state players today in New Delhi to get an update on the situation of DAS phase I and II cities.

“TRAI has given us the extension looking at our performance since the last meeting held on 29 November. While we had achieved only 45 per cent CAF in DAS phase II areas when we met last, this time the figure stands at 65-70 per cent,” says one of the MSO who attended the meeting.

 The MSOs are confident of achieving the figure by the month end. “If TRAI continues its pressure and resolves to take some action against those not complying, I am sure we can achieve 100 per cent figure,” he says.

Acknowledging the issues in Hyderabad, TRAI has shown leniency towards the city. “The 100 per cent CAF doesn’t include Hyderabad,” says the MSO.

Apart from representatives of the five national MSOs, the others that attended the meeting chaired by TRAI principal advisor N. Parameswaran included: Manthan from Kolkata and Ranchi, UCN from Nagpur and MSOs from Vishakapatnam and Gujarat among others.

The TRAI also reviewed the gross billing status in the DAS phase I cities. The MSOs had to start billing from December. “The subscribers need to get the bills as per their package plan from December.  The regulator has said that either the local cable operators (LCOs) or MSOs can bill the subscribers and has asked us to send the compliance report by 31 December,” informs the MSO.
That apart, the MSOs in Kolkata and Delhi have decided to join hands and educate the consumers on gross billing. “While seven players in Kolkata will publish ads in leading newspapers in Kolkata, approximately three MSOs in Delhi have decided to come together for the print campaign,” he adds.