The communication gap between Multi-System Operators (MSOs) and local Cable Operators (lCOs) has lead to TV broadcasting hassles. The gap is related to starting various packages for broadcasting channels by MSOs without informing the lCOs or consumers of Manthan and GTPl in Ranchi. The third cable network Den is not yet affected.
MSOs are the authority to coordinate the digital cable network while lCOs are the ones available at doorstep of consumers. For this reason, Manthan lCOs have decided to stop their broadcasting from 10 am to 5pm on Tuesday after meeting their MSO at Ashoknagar Head Office on Monday.
Sources maintained that as per Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) MSOs and lCOs are supposed to maintain a mutual coordination in terms of tuning channels and finance.
Digital Broadcasting of Cable channels in the city commenced around 1.5 years back. Presently, there are around 2 lakh consumers of which around 1.5 lakh consumers use Manthan.
“MSOs started package system without informing us on the midnight of January 10. Broadcasting of some channels has been stopped since then. Moreover, the monthly amount ranging around Rs 200 has been increased. As a result, consumers are approaching us and we are clueless on how to solve the problem,” said Rajesh, a lCO of Manthan.
Similarly, another lCO GTPl said they are likely to join the protest of Manthan. “In GTPl, the package system was introduced last month. There are three types of packages namely Starter, Popular and Premium. Before, changing the broadcasting pattern, MSOs should explain us but it is not done and we are blamed by consumers for stopping the broadcasting of their channels or removing their favourite channel,” Mohammed Chand, a lCO of GTPl and Den cum member of Jharkhand Cable Operator Association said.
In case, a consumer demands for channels which are not included in the list, rates depending on the company of the channel are charged. This varies from Rs 5 to Rs 40. “We cannot explain the reason of charging separately,” said Dilip, an MSO of GTPl.
According to sources, after closing a channel’s broadcasting, messages of phone numbers are displayed. But, on dialing the numbers, there is no response. “In case, someone receives, consumers are suggested to talk to their lCO,” said sources.
Due to this reason, Manthan consumers are irritated. Snigdha Sarkar, a consumer of Manthan residing near airport said for past few days, no news, sports or Bengali channels under Star group are broadcasted. “Even the geographic channel is missing,” added Sarkar.
“Manthan often switches off channels of Music, Entertainment and News without notification. Our cable operator is never in a position to give an accurate answer. Also, they have no call centre where we can complain. So, I had to buy Airtel as an alternate TV service,” said Dhananjay Kumar of Doranda said.