Shruti Suman
A Delhi-based cable operators’ association has approached the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), requesting action against Jio TV. They claim that the OTT platform, owned by billionaire Mukesh Ambani, is adversely affecting their business, leading to job cuts and substantial financial losses in the cable TV industry.
In a letter to the TRAI Chairman, the All Local Cable Operator Association (ALCOA) of Delhi accused Jio TV of violating regulations by broadcasting live and linear content on its OTT platform.
Referencing the Cable Act of 1995, ALCOA stated that only Multi-System Operators (MSOs), Headend in the Sky (HITS) operators, Direct-to-Home (DTH) players, and IPTV providers are authorized to air live content. They alleged that Jio TV is flouting these regulations by streaming linear content.
ALCOA pointed out that while the number of Indian households owning a television rose to 210 million in 2022 from 197 million in 2018, the number of homes using cable TV services decreased from 120 million in 2018 to 90 million in 2020, with the decline continuing.
The association noted that OTT platforms such as Disney+ Hotstar and Jio TV are airing linear content, which is detrimental to the cable TV industry. They emphasized that customers, particularly housewives, students, and young people, are increasingly choosing OTT platforms over cable TV.
The cable operators expressed concern over Jio TV streaming the ongoing India vs Sri Lanka cricket matches for free on Jio platform.
“The Cable TV Industry is paying Rs. 19/- plus GST for Ten Sport’s live content, namely the India vs. Sri Lanka series, while Jio TV OTT is providing this for free to consumers,” ALCOA stated in their letter to TRAI.
“This constitutes unfair competition and threatens to destroy the Indian cable TV industry. We seek to understand how the broadcaster is providing linear live content (India vs. Sri Lanka series) to Jio TV. Is it through IRD or another route? We hope TRAI officials can obtain this information from broadcasters, as they are regulated by TRAI,” the letter continued.
“We await your response,” they concluded.
ALCOA also mentioned STAR INDIA and INDIACAST in their letter, noting that these entities are providing content from their linear channels on OTT platforms like Disney+ and Hotstar.
“INDIACAST is offering its linear content, such as that on Colors TV and MTV, on its OTT platform Jio TV. All linear TV content is available on their OTT apps, sometimes even before it airs on TV, which is illegal,” ALCOA asserted.
NI Bureau
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