Must Read: Are you going to pay Rs.130 for free-to-air TV channels only?
Today I have researched over the internet about new TRAI
rules and found that now all viewers have to pay Rs.130 for 100 free to air
channels as a network capacity fees. Viewers only will be able to subscribe to pay-TV channels after paying
for 100 free to air TV channels. It is okay for those viewers who have lots of
money because middle-class families and poor families cannot increase their
monthly budget by paying for FREE TV channels which most of the time shows fake
tele-brand type ads.
Earlier all middle-class families were getting free to air
channels free or with a bundle/subscription pack including pay-TV channels.
Let’s
see this below example on my behalf.
Earlier I was paying Rs.220 for a popular pack from a DTH
connection. I was getting TV channels in bundles including 40+ pay-TV channels
and 150+ free to air channels.
Now I am checking prices according to current rules and regulations
of pay-TV channels which is starting Rs.8 (in round figures) for SD channels
and Rs.17 for HD channels.
So let’s calculate it, that how much I have to pay for
the same TV channels?
If I am going to subscribe to the same 40 pay-TV channels after 29 December
2018, than it cost me about: 40 X 8 = Rs.320 (only for pay channels)
But as per rule, I cannot subscribe to pay-TV channels without
paying for free to air TV channels which is costing me at Rs.130 per month.
So let’s calculate both, to get the same TV channels now I have
to pay Rs.320+130 = 450?
Oh, it is really too much na?
You can see the difference; it is costing me double by comparing
with my old subscription pack.
I hope you understand the above calculation, you can also
calculate yourself by your current DTH / IPTV/ Cable TV subscription pack’s
prices and channels.
Now the question is coming to my mind “why should I pay Rs.130 for free to air channels only which I was already getting in FREE?” Right, so you will ask me, what you going to do now?
So finally I have decided to suspend my current DTH connection because I am not able to pay Rs.450 for the same or FREE TV channels. I am going to install a free to air dish antenna which can be DD Free dish or C-Band dish antenna and going to buy a free-to-air set-top box. If I have two or three rooms then I can also watch the same free to air TV channels everywhere without any monthly charges but it cost me like a one-time investment.
By installing free to air system, I can receive 300-400+
free to air TV channels from different-different satellites by Ku-band and
C-band signals.
Now you will ask me another question that you don't love Pay-TV channels? What you will do to watch premium content or favorite shows?
Yes, I will feel bad few days but I will see other options available like digital platforms like Sony liv, Hot star, Eros Now, Amazon Prime and Netflix etc. I can also buy free to air + android Os box where I can access both free to air and premium contents without paying huge money.You may also ask another question, what about your kids?
I will tell him to view cartoons and kids programs on digital platforms like YouTube, smartphones’s an android box which can be installed on any type of TV.
I know lots of friends will not be satisfied with my current
decisions, but it’s my home and my budget. If you can bear it then you can go
ahead with the current TV channel provider but I will not.
I think for now just wait and watch what happens with the
television / DTH / Cable TV and broadcasting industry after this implementation.
If will be wrong then surely I’ll come back because I also missed some pay-TV
channels.
Looking for comments and feedback on this topic, so that I
can add more here. See you, Friends.
Remember: My thoughts are personal, not official, don't mind it.
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