MUMBAI: TV subscription rates for consumers are expected to rise by 5-8% due to an increase in bouquet rates by broadcasters such as Disney Star, Viacom18, Zee Entertainment, and Sony Pictures Networks India, according to industry officials. Telecom Regulatory Authority of India had asked broadcasters not to switch off signals to distribution platform operators (DPOs) who don’t sign agreements as per the new tariffs till the general elections get over.
In January, leading broadcasters raised their base bouquet rates by 10%, with Viacom18 going for the highest increase of over 25% due to the addition of Indian cricket rights and increase in the market share of general entertainment channels. The new pricing was to come into effect in February.
With polling coming to an end on June 1, broadcasters are expected to push DPOs to raise rates. Some DPOs like Airtel Digital TV have already increased prices marginally.
