The Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable) Services Interconnection (Addressable Systems) Regulations, 2017
Part I: Definitions
| Provision | Clause No. | Mandate of the Clause |
|---|---|---|
| Act | 2(1)(a) | “Act” means the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997 (24 of 1997). |
| Active subscriber | 2(1)(b) | A subscriber authorized to receive signals of television channels as per the subscriber management system and whose set top box has not been denied signals. |
| Addressable system | 2(1)(c) | An electronic device (hardware and software) or integrated system enabling encrypted transmission and decoding of TV channels at the subscriber’s premises, as authorized by the distributor. |
| A-la-carte channel | 2(1)(d) | Offering a television channel individually on a standalone basis. |
| Authority | 2(1)(e) | The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India established under section 3(1) of the Act. |
| Average active subscriber base | 2(1)(f) | The number arrived at by averaging the active subscriber base count as specified in Schedule VII. |
| Bouquet | 2(1)(g) | An assortment of distinct channels offered together as a group or bundle. |
| Broadcaster | 2(1)(h) | A person or entity with downlinking permission from the Central Government, providing programming services. |
| Broadcaster’s share of MRP | 2(1)(i) | Any fee payable by a distributor to a broadcaster for signals of pay channel or bouquet of pay channels, with due authorization. |
| Broadcasting services | 2(1)(j) | Dissemination of communication (signs, signals, writing, images, sounds) by transmission of electromagnetic waves or cables for public reception. |
| Cable service | 2(1)(k) | Transmission or re-transmission of signals of television channels through cables. |
| Cable television network | 2(1)(l) | Any system of closed transmission paths and associated equipment for providing cable service to multiple subscribers. |
| Carriage fee | 2(1)(m) | Fee payable by a broadcaster to a distributor for carrying channels, not specifying placement or channel number assignment. |
| Compliance officer | 2(1)(n) | Person designated for regulatory compliance under these regulations by a service provider. |
| DTH operator | 2(1)(o) | Person licensed by the Central Government to provide direct to home (DTH) service. |
| DTH service | 2(1)(p) | Re-transmission of signals of television channels by satellite directly to subscriber’s premises without intermediaries. |
| Distribution fee | 2(1)(q) | Fee payable by a broadcaster to a distributor for distribution of pay channel or bouquet, excluding carriage fee. |
| Distribution platform | 2(1)(r) | Distribution network of a DTH operator, multi-system operator, HITS operator or IPTV operator. |
| Distributor of television channels | 2(1)(s) | Any DTH operator, multi-system operator, HITS operator or IPTV operator. |
| Electronic programme guide (EPG) | 2(1)(t) | Program guide maintained by distributors listing channels, programmes, and scheduling information, including navigation features. |
| Free-to-air channel | 2(1)(u) | Channel declared as such by the broadcaster for which no fee is paid by the distributor for signals. |
| HITS operator | 2(1)(v) | Person permitted by the Central Government to provide head end in the sky (HITS) service. |
| HITS service | 2(1)(w) | Transmission of programmes including re-transmission of signals of television channels by satellite to intermediaries or directly to subscribers using satellite and own cable networks. |
| Interconnection | 2(1)(x) | Commercial and technical arrangements under which service providers connect their equipment and networks to provide broadcasting services. |
| Interconnection agreement | 2(1)(y) | Agreements specifying technical and commercial terms for distribution of signals of television channel. |
| IPTV operator | 2(1)(z) | Person permitted by the Central Government to provide IPTV service. |
| IPTV service | 2(1)(aa) | Delivery of multi-channel television programmes in addressable mode using Internet Protocol over a closed network. |
| Local cable operator (LCO) | 2(1)(bb) | Person registered under rule 5 of the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994. |
| Maximum retail price (MRP) | 2(1)(cc) | Maximum price (excluding taxes) payable by a subscriber for a-la-carte pay channel or bouquet of pay channels. |
| Multi-system operator (MSO) | 2(1)(dd) | Cable operator registered under rule 11 of the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994, retransmitting programming service to multiple subscribers directly or via local cable operators. |
| Network capacity fee | 2(1)(ee) | Amount (excluding taxes) payable by a subscriber to the distributor for network capacity to receive subscribed TV channels, excluding subscription fee for pay channels or bouquets. |
| Pay broadcaster | 2(1)(ff) | Broadcaster declaring one or more channels as pay channel to the Authority as per regulations or tariff order. |
| Pay channel | 2(1)(gg) | Channel declared as pay by the broadcaster, requiring payment by distributor and due authorization for distribution. |
| Programme | 2(1)(hh) | Any television broadcast, including films, features, dramas, advertisements, serials, and live performances. |
| QoS Regulations | 2(1)(ii) | The Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable) Services Standards of Quality of Service and Consumer Protection (Addressable Systems) Regulations, 2017. |
| Reference interconnection offer (RIO) | 2(1)(jj) | Document published by a service provider specifying terms and conditions for interconnection sought by another service provider. |
| Regulations | 2(1)(jja) | The Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable) Services Interconnection (Addressable Systems) Regulations, 2017. |
| Service provider | 2(1)(kk) | The Government as a service provider, including licensees, broadcasters, distributors, or local cable operators. |
| Set top box (STB) | 2(1)(ll) | Device connected to or part of a TV receiver enabling a subscriber to view subscribed channels. |
| Subscriber | 2(1)(mm) | Person receiving broadcasting services from a distributor at a specified place, not transmitting further or charging others, with each set top box constituting one subscriber. |
| Subscriber management system | 2(1)(nn) | System or device storing subscriber records, hardware details, subscription info, activation/deactivation logs, invoices, and payments. |
| Tariff order | 2(1)(oo) | The Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable) Services (Eighth) (Addressable Systems) Tariff Order, 2017. |
| Television channel | 2(1)(pp) | Channel with downlinking permission from the Central Government under policy guidelines, with “channel” construed as “television channel”. |
Part II: Obligations of Service Providers
| Clause No. | Obligation Type | Provision | Mandate of the Clause | Amendment/Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3(1) | Broadcaster | General obligations of broadcasters | No broadcaster shall engage in any practice or arrangement, including exclusive contracts, that prevents any other distributor from obtaining signals of its channel for distribution. | None |
| 3(2) | Broadcaster | General obligations of broadcasters | Broadcaster must, within 60 days of written request or 30 days of signing agreement, provide signals on a non-discriminatory basis or convey reasons in writing for rejection. Unreasonable terms are deemed denial. | None |
| 3(3) | Broadcaster | General obligations of broadcasters | Placing channel in specified EPG position or assigning a particular channel number as a pre-condition for signal provision is unreasonable. Non-discriminatory discounts are not pre-conditions. | None |
| 3(4) | Broadcaster | General obligations of broadcasters | No broadcaster shall demand packaging of its channel in any particular bouquet offered by the distributor. | None |
| 3(5) | Broadcaster | General obligations of broadcasters | No broadcaster shall demand guarantee of a minimum subscriber base or minimum subscription percentage for its channel or bouquet. | None |
| 4(1) | DPO (Distributor) | General obligations of distributors | No distributor shall engage in any practice or arrangement, including exclusive contracts, that prevents any broadcaster from accessing the network for distribution. | None |
| 4(2) | DPO (Distributor) | General obligations of distributors | No distributor shall engage in any practice or arrangement, including exclusive contracts, that prevents any local cable operator from obtaining signals for further distribution. | None |
| 4(3) | DPO (Distributor) | General obligations of distributors | Every distributor must declare coverage area of each distribution network as a target market. For MSOs/IPTV/HITS, target market not larger than a State/UT. | As amended: "For MSOs/IPTV/HITS, target market not larger than a State/UT." |
| 4(4) | DPO (Distributor) | General obligations of distributors | Every distributor must publish on website: target markets, channel carrying capacity, channel list, requested channels, spare capacity, and pending distribution requests, and update within 7 days of any change. | None |
| 4(5) | DPO (Distributor) | General obligations of distributors | Every distributor shall allocate every alternate spare channel capacity to channels, sequentially, from the pending list for distribution. | None |
| 4(6) | DPO (Distributor) | General obligations of distributors | Sub-regulation (5) not applicable if no pending request for channel distribution. | None |
| 4(7) | DPO (Distributor) | General obligations of distributors | Distributor must, within 60 days of written request or 30 days of agreement, carry signals on a non-discriminatory basis or convey reasons in writing for denial. Unreasonable terms are deemed denial. | None |
| 4(8) | DPO (Distributor) | General obligations of distributors | Permissible to discontinue a channel if monthly subscription percentage is less than the discontinuation threshold (as per Schedule VIII) for six consecutive months. | Amended: "as per Schedule VIII" and "for six consecutive months" |
| 4(9) | DPO (Distributor) | General obligations of distributors | No obligation to carry a discontinued channel (as per 4(8)) for one year from discontinuation date. | None |
| 4(10) | DPO (Distributor) | General obligations of distributors | Demanding minimum guarantee for period or number of channels as a pre-condition for network access is unreasonable. | None |
| 4(11) | DPO (Distributor) | General obligations of distributors | Distributor must, within 60 days of request or 30 days of agreement, provide signals to local cable operator or convey reasons in writing for denial. Unreasonable terms are deemed denial. | None |
| 4(12) | DPO (Distributor) | General obligations of distributors | No distributor shall demand guarantee of a minimum subscriber base from local cable operator. | None |
| 4(13) | DPO (Distributor) | General obligations of distributors | Clauses 4(11) and 4(12) do not apply to DTH operators. | None |
| 4A(1) | DPO (Distributor) | Compliance to Addressable System requirements | Distributors must deploy conditional access and subscriber management systems conforming to Schedule IX requirements, after testing and certification by Authority. | None |
| 4A(2) | DPO (Distributor) | Compliance to Addressable System requirements | Failure to certify systems within timeline results in financial disincentive: ₹1,000/day (up to 30 days), ₹2,000/day (beyond 30 days), max ₹2 lakhs, with opportunity for representation. | None |
| 5(1) | All Service Providers | General obligations of service providers | No service provider shall prohibit another from providing services to any subscriber or area. | None |
| 5(2) | All Service Providers | General obligations of service providers | No service provider shall demand minimum guarantee amount from another for providing signals or network access. | None |
| 5(3) | All Service Providers | General obligations of service providers | Monthly invoice must be issued, specifying current dues and arrears with due date. | None |
| 5(4) | All Service Providers | General obligations of service providers | Claim for arrears must be accompanied by proof of service of invoices for the relevant periods. | None |
| 6(1) | Broadcaster | Compulsory offering of channels on a-la-carte basis | Every broadcaster shall offer all its television channels on a-la-carte basis to the distributors of television channels. Bouquet may also be offered, but such bouquet shall not contain any ‘free-to-air channel’ or HD and SD variants of the same channel. | None |
| 7(1) | Broadcaster | Publication of reference interconnection offer by broadcaster | Every broadcaster shall publish, on its website, reference interconnection offer for providing signals of all its pay channels to distributors within sixty days of commencement of regulations and before launching a pay channel. Simultaneous submission to the Authority is required. | None |
| 7(2) | Broadcaster | Contents of reference interconnection offer (broadcaster) | The offer shall contain technical and commercial terms and conditions, including maximum retail price per month, distribution fee, discounts, genre, and other necessary conditions. May include channels of subsidiaries/holding companies with written authorization. | None |
| 7(3) | Broadcaster | Declaration of distribution fee | Minimum twenty percent of the maximum retail price of pay channel or bouquet shall be declared as distribution fee. Rate of distribution fee shall be same for pay channel and bouquet and uniform across all distribution platforms. | None |
| 7(4) | Broadcaster | Permissible discounts by broadcaster | Broadcaster may offer discounts up to fifteen percent of the maximum retail price to distributors. Sum of distribution fee and discounts shall not exceed thirty five percent of the maximum retail price. Discounts must be fair, transparent, non-discriminatory, measurable, and computable. | Amended: Explanation for discounts amended by Fourth Amendment (2022) and bouquet discount deleted by Second Amendment (2020) |
| 7(5) | Broadcaster | Contact details in reference offer (broadcaster) | Broadcaster must mention names, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses for interconnection requests and grievance redressal in the reference offer. | None |
| 7(6) | Broadcaster | Complete interconnection agreement | Terms and conditions shall include all necessary and sufficient provisions to make it a complete interconnection agreement upon signing. | None |
| 7(7) | Broadcaster | Authority’s power to direct modifications (broadcaster) | Authority may direct broadcaster to modify reference offer if not in conformance. Modification and publication within fifteen days required. | None |
| 7(8) | Broadcaster | Publication of amendments (broadcaster) | Any amendment to the reference offer must be published in the same manner as the original. | None |
| 7(9) | Broadcaster | Option to enter fresh agreement after amendment (broadcaster) | Broadcaster must give option to all distributors to enter fresh agreement within thirty days of amendment or continue with existing agreement. Mandatory amendments require signing fresh agreements as per Authority timelines. | None |
| 8(1) | DPO (Distributor) | Publication of reference interconnection offer by distributor | Every distributor shall publish, on its website, reference interconnection offer for carrying channels within sixty days of commencement and before starting a new network. Submission to Authority is also required. Applicable only when broadcaster requests carriage. | None |
| 8(2) | DPO (Distributor) | Contents of reference interconnection offer (distributor) | The offer shall contain technical and commercial terms, including target market, rate of carriage fee (max 25 paisa per channel per subscriber per month, max ₹5 lakh per channel per month), discounts, and calculation method. Carriage fee changes with subscription percentage. | None |
| 8(3) | DPO (Distributor) | Permissible discounts by distributor | Distributor may offer discounts up to thirty five percent of carriage fee. Discounts must be fair, transparent, non-discriminatory, measurable, and computable. Higher discounts permissible for channels specified by Authority in public interest. | None |
| 8(4) | DPO (Distributor) | Contact details in reference offer (distributor) | Distributor must mention names, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses for interconnection requests and grievance redressal in the reference offer. | None |
| 8(5) | DPO (Distributor) | Complete interconnection agreement (distributor) | Terms and conditions shall include all necessary and sufficient provisions to make it a complete interconnection agreement upon signing. | None |
| 8(6) | DPO (Distributor) | Authority’s power to direct modifications (distributor) | Authority may direct distributor to modify reference offer if not in conformance. Modification and publication within fifteen days required. | None |
| 8(7) | DPO (Distributor) | Publication of amendments (distributor) | Any amendment to the reference offer must be published in the same manner as the original. | None |
| 8(8) | DPO (Distributor) | Option to enter fresh agreement after amendment (distributor) | Distributor must give option to all broadcasters to enter fresh agreement within thirty days of amendment or continue with existing agreement. Mandatory amendments require signing fresh agreements as per Authority timelines. | None |
| 9(1) | All Service Providers | General provisions relating to interconnection agreements | It shall be mandatory for service providers to reduce the terms and conditions of all their interconnection agreements to writing. | None |
| 9(2) | All Service Providers | No minimum guarantee in agreements | A service provider shall not incorporate any provision in the interconnection agreement which would require, directly or indirectly, the latter to pay a minimum guaranteed amount and any agreement to contrary shall be void. | None |
| 9(3) | All Service Providers | Renewal or amendment of existing agreements | It shall be mandatory for service providers to either renew or amend all their existing interconnection agreements in compliance with the regulations and tariff orders, within 150 days of commencement. | None |
| 10(1)-(3) | Broadcaster & DPO | Written interconnection agreement (pay channels) | No broadcaster shall provide signals of pay channels to a distributor and no distributor shall distribute pay channels of any broadcaster without entering into a written interconnection agreement. Mandatory written agreement on a-la-carte basis for pay channels. | Inserted by Sixth Amendment Regulations, 2024, reg. 5(b) (w.e.f. 06.10.2024) |
| 10(4) | Broadcaster | Application form for signal request | Every broadcaster shall devise an application form for request of signals by distributors, as per Schedule II. | None |
| 10(16) | DPO (Distributor) | Application form for network access | Every distributor shall devise an application form for broadcasters seeking access to its network, as per Schedule IV. | None |
| 10(8),(18) | Broadcaster & DPO | Timelines for executing agreements | Written interconnection agreement must be entered within 30 days of request; signals must be provided/distributed within 30 days of signing. Term not less than one year. | Inserted by Fifth Amendment Regulations, 2023, reg. 2(c) (w.e.f. 14.09.2023) |
| 10(13),(20) | Broadcaster & DPO | Delivery of signed agreements | Party executing agreement must hand over copy to the other party within 15 days and retain acknowledgment. | None |
| 10(14),(21) | Broadcaster & DPO | Renewal of interconnection agreements | New written agreement must be entered before expiry of existing agreement. Notice of 60 days required before expiry. If not renewed, signals may be disconnected or carriage discontinued. Subscribers must be informed 15 days prior via scrolls. | None |
| 12(1)-(8) | DPO (Distributor) & LCO | Written agreement with Local Cable Operator | No distributor shall provide signals to LCO without written agreement. Must enter agreement within 30 days of request; model or standard agreement as per Schedule V/VI. Copy must be handed to LCO within 15 days. Renewal and subscriber notification rules apply. Settlement of service charges by mutual agreement or 55:45 split if not agreed. Provisions apply to HITS and IPTV operators as well. | None |
| 13 | DTH Operator | Non-applicability of certain provisions | Regulations 11 and 12 (territory/interconnection with LCO) do not apply to DTH operator. | None |
| 14(1) | DPO (Distributor) | Monthly subscription report to broadcaster | Every distributor shall, within 7 days from month end, provide complete and accurate monthly subscription report to broadcasters for all channels/bouquets under written interconnection agreement. Broadcaster may disconnect signals after 3 weeks’ notice if report not provided. | None |
| 14(2) | Broadcaster | Monthly invoice to distributor | Broadcaster shall issue monthly invoice to distributor, specifying current dues, arrears, and due date. At least 15 days must be allowed for payment. If report not provided, broadcaster may raise a provisional invoice (10% higher than previous month). Mandatory reconciliation within 3 months. | None |
| 14(3) | DPO (Distributor) | Monthly invoice to broadcaster | Distributor shall issue monthly invoice to broadcaster for carriage fee and provide monthly subscription report. At least 15 days must be allowed for payment. | None |
| 15(1), (1A) | DPO (Distributor) | Annual audit of subscriber management and related systems | Every distributor must cause annual audit of SMS, CAS, and related systems by empanelled auditor. Financial disincentive for failure: ₹1,000/day (up to 30 days), ₹2,000/day (beyond 30 days), max ₹2 lakhs. | Amended: Substituted/inserted by First Amendment Regulations, 2019, reg. 2(a), 2(b) (w.e.f. 30.10.2019) |
| 15(2) | Broadcaster | Audit rights of broadcaster | Broadcaster may audit distributor’s systems once per year, by empanelled auditor, if not satisfied with distributor’s audit. If audit reveals under-reporting by 2% or more, distributor bears audit cost and must pay dues with interest. | Amended: Substituted by Fifth Amendment Regulations, 2023, reg. 3(a) (w.e.f. 14.09.2023) |
| 15(3) | DPO (Distributor) | Assistance to auditors | Distributor must offer necessary assistance to auditors for timely completion of audit. | Inserted by Fifth Amendment Regulations, 2023, reg. 3(b) (w.e.f. 14.09.2023) |
| 16 | Broadcaster | Change in MRP/nature of channel | Every broadcaster, before making any change in the maximum retail price or nature of a channel, shall follow the provisions of these regulations including those related to publication of reference interconnection offer. | None |
| 17 | All Service Providers | Disconnection of signals | No service provider shall disconnect signals without at least three weeks’ notice in writing to the other service provider, specifying reasons. Distributor must inform subscribers 15 days prior via scrolls. No static image overlays allowed. | None |
| 18(1)-(4) | Broadcaster & DPO | Listing of channels in EPG | Broadcaster must declare genre. Distributor must place channels in EPG so that all channels of a particular language in a genre are together and unique channel numbers are assigned. Channel numbers may not be altered without prior approval of Authority. | Amended: EPG placement, channel number change, and genre/language change rules amended by Second Amendment Regulations, 2020 |
| 19(1)-(4) | All Service Providers | Reporting of service provider details | All service providers must report name, address, contact, and license details on Authority-specified website within 30 days. Must verify details of those seeking interconnection. | None |
| 20(1)-(7) | Broadcaster & DPO | Designation and duties of compliance officer | Broadcaster and distributor must designate a compliance officer within 30 days and report details to Authority. Compliance officer responsible for ensuring compliance, reporting, and procedures. | None |
| 20A | Broadcaster & DPO | Financial disincentive for non-compliance | If broadcaster or distributor contravenes regulations, liable to pay financial disincentive as per Schedule XI (max ₹2 lakh/₹5 lakh per year, as applicable). | Inserted by Sixth Amendment Regulations, 2024, reg. 6 (w.e.f. 06.10.2024) |
| 20B | All Service Providers | Interest for delayed disincentive payment | If service provider fails to pay financial disincentive in time, liable to pay interest at 2% above SBI 1-year MCLR, compounded annually. | Inserted by Sixth Amendment Regulations, 2024, reg. 6 (w.e.f. 06.10.2024) |
| 21 | Authority | Intervention by Authority | Authority may intervene by order or direction to protect interests, ensure growth, or monitor compliance. | None |
| 22 | All Service Providers | Repeal and saving | Repeals 2012 and 2004 Interconnection Regulations (as applicable). Actions under repealed regulations deemed under new regulations. | None |
Part III: Amendments
| Clause Impacted | Amendment Detail | Year | Date of Implementation | Changes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regulation 4(3) (Proviso) | Ins. by the Second Amendment Regulations, 2020, reg.2(a) | 2020 | 01.03.2020 | Inserted a new proviso: "Provided further that for a multi-system operator or Internet Protocol Television Operator or Headend-in-the-Sky (HITS) operator the target market shall in no case be larger than a State or a Union Territory." |
| Regulation 4(4) (Proviso) | Del. by the Sixth Amendment Regulations, 2024, reg. 3 | 2024 | 06.10.2024 | Deleted the words: “Provided further that for the purpose of calculating spare channel capacity of the distribution network, one high definition channel shall be equal to two standard definition channels:” |
| Regulation 4(8) | Subs. by the Second Amendment Regulations, 2020, reg. 2(b) | 2020 | 01.03.2020 | Substituted the original sub-regulation. Original text allowed discontinuation if: "the monthly subscription percentage for that channel is less than five percent of the monthly average active subscriber base... in each of the immediately preceding six consecutive months...". New text allows discontinuation if: "the monthly subscription percentage for that channel is less than the discontinuation threshold calculated as per Schedule VIII, in each of the immediately preceding six consecutive months:". A new proviso regarding the language of the channel was also added. |
| Regulation 4A (New Insertion) | Ins. by the Third Amendment Regulations, 2021, reg. 2 | 2021 | 11.06.2021 | Inserted entire new Regulation 4A titled "Compliance to requirements of Addressable System by distributors of television channels." This new regulation mandates distributors to deploy CAS and SMS conforming to Schedule IX after testing and certification, and specifies financial disincentives (rupees one thousand per day up to 30 days, rupees two thousand per day beyond 30 days, max rupees two lakhs) for failure to obtain certification. It also allows the Authority to direct broadcasters to disconnect signals for defaults beyond 60 days. |
| Regulation 7(3) (Proviso) | Subs. by the Second Amendment Regulations, 2020, reg. 3(a) | 2020 | 15.01.2020 | Substituted the proviso. Original proviso stated: “Provided that the distribution fee declared by the broadcaster shall be uniform across all the distribution platforms”. New proviso states: "Provided that the rate of distribution fee declared by the broadcaster shall be same for pay channel and bouquet of pay channels and shall be uniform across all the distribution platforms." |
| Regulation 7(4) | Del. by the Second Amendment Regulations, 2020, reg. 3(b) | 2020 | 15.01.2020 | Deleted the words "or bouquet of pay channels" from the main part of sub-regulation (4) (as it existed before the Fourth Amendment). |
| Regulation 7(4) (Proviso) | Del. by the Second Amendment Regulations, 2020, reg. 3(c) | 2020 | 15.01.2020 | Deleted the words "or bouquet of pay channels, as the case may be" from the first proviso of sub-regulation (4) (as it existed before the Fourth Amendment). |
| Regulation 7(4) | Subs. by the Fourth Amendment Regulations, 2022, reg. 2 | 2022 | 23.11.2022 | Substituted the entire sub-regulation (4). Previous text (as amended by Second Amendment, 2020) allowed: discounts on pay channels not exceeding 15% of MRP, with the sum of distribution fee and discount not exceeding 35% of MRP, and discounts to be fair, transparent, non-discriminatory, measurable, and computable. New text allows: discounts on pay channels or bouquets not exceeding 15% of MRP; sum of distribution fee and discount not exceeding 35% of MRP; discounts to be based on combined subscription (a-la-carte and bouquet) and proportionate revenue; includes an Explanation and Illustrations on how combined subscription and proportionate revenue discounts are calculated. It retains the conditions that discounts must be fair, transparent, non-discriminatory, measurable and computable. |
| Regulation 7(9) (Proviso) | Ins. by the Sixth Amendment Regulations, 2024, reg. 4 | 2024 | 06.10.2024 | Inserted a new proviso: "Provided that in the event an amendment in the reference interconnection offer becomes mandatory due to any amendment in extant regulations or orders notified by the Authority, the broadcasters and distributors shall sign fresh interconnection agreements or make suitable amendments to their existing interconnection agreements, in accordance with the amended reference interconnection offer, as per the timelines specified by the Authority." |
| Regulation 8(2) (Proviso - SD cap) | Ins. by the Second Amendment Regulations, 2020, reg. 4(a) | 2020 | 01.03.2020 | Inserted words into the proviso concerning standard definition channels (as it existed before the Sixth Amendment): "and the total carriage fee payable for such television channel per month, by a broadcaster to a distributor of television channels, shall, in no case, exceed rupees four lakh". |
| Regulation 8(2) (Proviso - HD cap) | Ins. by the Second Amendment Regulations, 2020, reg. 4(b) | 2020 | 01.03.2020 | Inserted words into the proviso concerning high definition channels (as it existed before the Sixth Amendment): "and the total carriage fee payable for such television channel per month, by a broadcaster to a distributor of television channels, shall, in no case, exceed rupees eight lakh". |
| Regulation 8(2) | Subs. by the Sixth Amendment Regulations, 2024, reg. 5(a) | 2024 | 06.10.2024 | Substituted the entire sub-regulation (2). Previous text (as amended by Second Amendment, 2020) specified: separate carriage fee rates for SD (not exceeding 20 paisa/subscriber/month, total not exceeding ₹4 lakh/month) and HD channels (not exceeding 40 paisa/subscriber/month, total not exceeding ₹8 lakh/month), with calculations as per Schedule I. New text specifies: a unified rate of carriage fee per channel per subscriber per month not exceeding twenty-five paisa, and total carriage fee per channel per month not exceeding rupees five lakh. It also mandates calculation of carriage fee as per provisions in Schedule I, which changes with monthly subscription percentage. |
| Regulation 8(8) (Proviso) | Ins. by the Sixth Amendment Regulations, 2024, reg. 5(b) | 2024 | 06.10.2024 | Inserted a new proviso: "Provided that in the event an amendment in the reference interconnection offer becomes mandatory due to any amendment in extant regulations or orders notified by the Authority, the broadcasters and distributors shall sign fresh interconnection agreements or make suitable amendments to their existing interconnection agreements, in accordance with the amended reference interconnection offer, as per the timelines specified by the Authority." |
| Regulation 10(6) | Ins. by the Fifth Amendment Regulations, 2023, reg. 2(a) | 2023 | 14.09.2023 | Inserted the words: "or the Schedule X or both, as the case may be" after "Schedule III". |
| Regulation 10(7) | Subs. by the Fifth Amendment Regulations, 2023, reg. 2(b) | 2023 | 14.09.2023 | Substituted the words: "Schedule III" with "Schedule III or the Schedule X or both, as the case may be". |
| Regulation 10(7) (Proviso) | Ins. by the Fifth Amendment Regulations, 2023, reg. 2(c) | 2023 | 14.09.2023 | Inserted the words: "or the Schedule X or both, as the case may be" after "Schedule III" in the proviso. |
| Regulation 10(12) (Explanation) | Del. by the Second Amendment Regulations, 2020, reg. 5 | 2020 | 15.01.2020 | Deleted the words: "or the bouquet of pay channels" from the Explanation (as it existed before the Fourth Amendment). |
| Regulation 10(12) (Explanation) | Subs. by the Fourth Amendment Regulations, 2022, reg. 3 | 2022 | 23.11.2022 | Substituted the Explanation. Previous Explanation (as amended by Second Amendment, 2020) clarified: that discounts on pay channels based on actual subscribers/subscription percentage do not amount to a guarantee for minimum subscriber base. New Explanation clarifies: that discounts on "the pay channel or the bouquet of pay channels" based on actual subscribers/subscription percentage do not amount to a guarantee for minimum subscriber base. |
| Regulation 15(1) (Proviso) | Subs. by the First Amendment Regulations, 2019, reg. 2(a) | 2019 | 30.10.2019 | Substituted the proviso. Original proviso stated: mandatory audit from "anyone of such empanelled auditors". New proviso states: mandatory audit from "M/s Broadcast Engineering Consultants India limited, or any of such empanelled auditors". |
| Regulation 15(1A) (New Insertion) | Ins. by the First Amendment Regulations, 2019, reg. 2(b) | 2019 | 30.10.2019 | Inserted entire new sub-regulation (1A). This new sub-regulation specifies financial disincentives (rupees one thousand per day for default up to 30 days, additional rupees two thousand per day beyond 30 days, max rupees two lakhs) if a distributor fails to cause an annual audit of its systems. |
| Regulation 15(2) | Subs. by the Fifth Amendment Regulations, 2023, reg. 3(a) | 2023 | 14.09.2023 | Substituted the words: "Schedule III" with "Schedule III or the Schedule X or both, as the case may be" in the context of system requirements for broadcaster-initiated audits. |
| Regulation 15(2) (First Proviso) | Subs. by the First Amendment Regulations, 2019, reg. 2(c) | 2019 | 30.10.2019 | Substituted the first proviso. Original proviso stated: mandatory audit by broadcaster from "anyone of such empanelled auditors". New proviso states: mandatory audit by broadcaster from "M/s Broadcast Engineering Consultants India limited, or any of such empanelled auditors". |
| Regulation 15(2) (Third Proviso) | Ins. by the Fifth Amendment Regulations, 2023, reg. 3(b) | 2023 | 14.09.2023 | Inserted the words: "or the Schedule X or both, as the case may be" after "Schedule III" in the third proviso, relating to conditions for disconnecting signals post-audit. |
| Regulation 18(2) | Subs. by the Second Amendment Regulations, 2020, reg. 6(a) | 2020 | 01.03.2020 | Substituted the sub-regulation (2). Original text required: channels of the same genre to be placed together, and within that, channels of the same language together; also permitted sub-genres. New text requires: all television channels of a particular language in a genre to be displayed together consecutively, and one channel to appear at one place only. |
| Regulation 18(4) | Subs. by the Second Amendment Regulations, 2020, reg. 6(b) | 2020 | 01.03.2020 | Substituted part of the sub-regulation. Original text stated: channel number once assigned shall not be altered "for a period of at least one year from the date of such assignment". New text states: channel number once assigned shall not be altered "without prior approval of the Authority". (Note: The text mentions this was set aside by Kerala HC, but reports the amendment as made.) |
| Regulation 18(4) (Second Proviso) | Subs. by the Second Amendment Regulations, 2020, reg. 6(c) | 2020 | 01.03.2020 | Substituted the second proviso. Original proviso stated: if a broadcaster changes genre, channel number shall be changed to place with new genre. New proviso states: if a broadcaster changes the genre or language of a channel, the channel number shall be changed to place such channel with channels of the new genre or language. |
| Regulation 20A & 20B (New Insertion) | Ins. by the Sixth Amendment Regulations, 2024, reg. 6 | 2024 | 06.10.2024 | Inserted entire new Regulation 20A ("Consequences for failure to comply with the provisions of the regulations by the broadcaster or distributor") and Regulation 20B ("Consequences for the failure of the service providers to pay financial disincentive within the stipulated time"). Regulation 20A specifies that contraventions will lead to financial disincentives as per Schedule XI, with annual caps for different groups of contraventions (max ₹2 lakh for Group A, max ₹5 lakh for Group B, overall max ₹5 lakh per year). Regulation 20B specifies interest (SBI 1-year MCLR + 2%, compounded annually) for failure to pay financial disincentives within the stipulated time. |