Policy Issues

QoS so far in view of the highly fragmented nature of

cable TV sector and because of implementational
Regulations for difficulties at ground level. Subsequently, TRAI has
issued Quality of Service Regulations for cable
services for CAS notified Areas in 2006. The DTH
Cable TV Service subscribers are also benefited by the Quality of
Service Regulations for DTH Services issued by
TRAI in 2007.
in Non-CAS Areas TRAI has discussed the issues of Quality of Service
for cable TV services in non-CAS areas in a
THE Te l e c o m consultation paper released on December 01,
Regulatory Authority 2008. The comments of the stakeholders on the
of India (TRAI) has subject were invited by January 10, 2009.
issued the Responses were received from 27 stakeholders/
Standards of Quality representatives. An open house discussion was
of Service held on February 06, 2009 in Kolkata with
(Broadcasting and representatives of stakeholders.
Cable Services) Based on the analysis of inputs received during
(Cable Television – consultation process, the Authority has decided
Non-CAS Areas) in favour of issuing QoS regulations for highly
Regulations, 2009. fragmented non-CAS cable TV networks across the
These regulations will take effect from April 1st, country. The Authority, while framing these
2009, which will give sometime to the service regulations, appreciated the voluntary
providers to take necessary steps to comply with digitalization and adoption of addressability by
these regulations. some of the service providers in non-CAS areas,
There are more than 80 million consumers and accordingly provisions have been made for
receiving cable TV services in non-CAS areas, being seamless migration on QoS front whenever CAS
served by about 60,000 cable operators. No formal is extended by the Ministry of Information &
regulations for quality of service (QoS) were issued Broadcasting in their areas of operation in future.

Guidelines for better

Internet/Broadband Service
Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) issued
guidelines to all service providers (ISPs, UASLs, CMSPs,
BSOs) providing Internet/ broadband to ensure better
services to their subscribers.
The salient features of the guidelines are:
• Provide adequate information to subscribers regarding
Internet/broadband services being offered and marketed
as a good business practice.
• Provide information regarding contention ratios adopted
for different services by service providers in their tariff
plans submitted to TRAI, manual of practice, call centers
and on their websites.
• Publish contention ratio for different Internet/broadband
services on their website quarterly to facilitate subscribers
to take informed decision.
• Ensure availability of minimum required bandwidth in
their network according to maximum contention ratio
suggested by TRAI for different services based on number
of subscribers.

March 2009 | Aavishkar Dish Antenna Programme Guide | 13