Cable operators told to refund STB activation charges

Ravinder Saini

Tribune News Service

Mahendragarh, January 13

The district authorities have directed the cable operators to refund the activation charges incurred from subscribers in violation of the directives of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).

In a complaint to the authorities, residents of Guru Nanak Pura in Narnaul, alleged that the cable operators were not only charging extra money for the set-top box (STB), but also demanding activation charges from the subscribers. They were not even issuing receipts to the subscribers, they said.

Taking a serious note of the complaint, Narnaul SDM Vivek Kalia directed the cable operators to refund the STB activation charges after deducting the security money, which was refundable. He also directed the operators to charge the STB rent on monthly basis instead of charging the entire fee at the time of installation.

In the complaint, the subscribers alleged that the cable operators were charging Rs 1,300 to 1,700 for installation and activation of the STB. The charges were not only too high but also against the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, they said.

“All cable operators have been directed to submit their reply to the compliant. During inquiry, it was found that the operators were wrongly levying installation, activation, smart card, repair and maintenance charges,” said Kalia.

He said the TRAI had taken several measures to protect the interests of the consumers and ensure quality of service to the consumers in the broadcasting and cable television sector. The cable operators were bound to follow the TRAI directives, he added.

“The operators have been directed to return the activation charges incurred from the subscribers and rent be charged on the monthly basis for the first three years as per the standard tariff package,” said Kalia.

He said if anybody was found indulging in any violation of the orders would be prosecuted under the Cable Television Networks Act, 1995.