C
ClearInsight News

What is the new DTH rule?

Author

Emma Payne

Published Mar 07, 2026

What is the new DTH rule?

TRAI new DTH rules: The number of free channels available at the Network Capacity Fee (NCF) of Rs 130 has increased to 200 in total, which was earlier limited to 100. These new provisions come into effect on March 1, 2020. TRAI revises new DTH rule to offer more channels at lower price.

Then, what is the new rule for TV channels?

In the statement, Trai said that broadcasters are required to publish revised MRP of a-la-carte channels and bouquets on their website by 15 January 2020 and DPOs are required to publish revised DRP of a-la-carte channels and bouquets on their website by 30 January 2020.

Also, is Trai new rules good? The new rules have been designed keeping in mind the consumer as well as the broadcasters, making it more beneficial financially for them. On paper, customers are going to be entitled to lots of benefits in terms of pricing, with TRAI directing operators to offer discounts on long-term plans.

Regarding this, what are NCF charges in DTH?

Network Connection Fee (NCF) is an amount of Rs 130+GST that you must pay to the service provider per month to keep the connection on. It is similar to minimum recharge that you must do every month on mobile to keep the connection on.

Are NCF charges mandatory?

According to the new rules, the NCF charges for 200 channels can now be a maximum of Rs 130 plus taxes per month. Interestingly, all DPOs have been mandated to give not charge more than Rs 160 per month as the subscription fee for providing all channels on their platform.

What is the cost of cable TV per month?

Price Ranges for Cable TV
The limited basic cable service from Comcast costs about $24 a month; its highest level plan starts at $85 per month. At Time Warner, the Starter TV level costs about $20 per month, with additional service levels costing between $30 and $80 a month.

What is trai new rules for cable operators?

Significantly, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) capped the amount consumers will have to pay monthly for all free to air channels at ₹160. The new rules are part of the changes the regulator has made to its 2017 tariff order for broadcasting and cable TV services. They will be effective from March 1.

How do I apply for a TRAI pack?

To use this application, visit the TRAI's website. Click on the 'Get Started' button at the bottom of the page, and simply reply to few questions to enter the channel selection page. Give TRAI your name, your state of residence, your TV viewing preferences, and then its presents a list of channels for you.

How do I select channels as per TRAI online?

You can select or deselect channels as per your wish. This is similar to a shopping cart in your online shopping experience. After selecting all channels of your choice (FTA, A-La-carte pay channels, Bouquets of pay channels), view your selected channels by pressing tab “view your selection”.

Is NCF paid every month?

According to the new rules, the NCF charges for 200 channels can now be a maximum of Rs 130 plus taxes per month. Earlier, it was Rs 130 plus taxes per month for 100 channels. You will continue to pay Rs 25 for every bundle of 20 additional channels you add to your subscription.

How is NCF calculated?

NCF = Rs. 130 (w/o tax) + Rs. 23.4 (GST) = Rs.153.4 (Total Price with tax) for first 100 channels and Rs.20 (w/o tax) + Rs. 3.60 (GST) = Rs. 23.60 (Total price with tax) for every 25 additional channels thereof.

What is the new rule for cable TV?

The new regulatory tariff introduces a monthly NCF or Network Capacity Fee to your cable TV bill. This NCF is Rs 130 for 100 channels. The NCF in total is Rs 130+18% GST, which comes to Rs 153. For those who choose more than 100 channels in their monthly pack, there will be extra NCF of Rs 20 for a slab of 25 channels.

How can avoid NCF charges in Airtel digital TV?

HIGHLIGHTS
  1. Airtel is now getting rid of the Network Capacity Fee.
  2. The benefit is limited to only the long-term plans, starting from the 3-months long plans.
  3. The NCF includes the sum of Rs 130 for the base pack along with the 18 per cent GST levied on it.

How are NCF charges calculated?

NCF = Rs. 130 (w/o tax) + Rs. 23.4 (GST) = Rs.153.4 (Total Price with tax) for first 100 channels and Rs.20 (w/o tax) + Rs. 3.60 (GST) = Rs. 23.60 (Total price with tax) for every 25 additional channels thereof.

What is NCF pack?

Tata Sky subscribers can now cut down their Network Capacity Fee (NCF) by adding a language pack, according to a report. The DTH operator is reportedly allowing up to Rs. 300 discount on NFC charges for availing its curated "Lite" languages packs that are available for as low as Rs. 67.50 per month.

Which is better cable TV or DTH?

The number of channels offered by cable TV and DTH providers is almost the same. There is no doubt that DTH is better than cable. Not only does DTH offer high-quality picture compared to cable, you can also opt to buy HD connection to enjoy HD channels.

What is the new rule for DTH?

TRAI new DTH rules: The number of free channels available at the Network Capacity Fee (NCF) of Rs 130 has increased to 200 in total, which was earlier limited to 100. These new provisions come into effect on March 1, 2020. TRAI revises new DTH rule to offer more channels at lower price.

What are NCF channels?

The first one is called the Network Capacity Fee (NCF). It is like a rental charge of the TV connection to your home. The other is the price of any pay channels that you select. The MRP of NCF as prescribed is maximum Rs.

How can I manage my Airtel digital channels?

How to select channels on Airtel Digital TV under the new TRAI
  1. Visit Airtel login page and enter your registered mobile number.
  2. Visit Airtel login page and enter your registered mobile number.
  3. Now, enter the OTP, received on your phone number as well as the registered email account.
  4. Once logged in, Select the DTH option from the left side of the page.

What is network capacity fee?

Network Capacity Fee. The Network Capacity Fee, per month, payable by a subscriber (each set top box) for 100 SD channels is Rs. 130* (Rupees one hundred thirty only). The Network Capacity Fee, per month, payable by a subscriber (each. set top box) for each additional 25 SD channels is Rs.

What is new TRAI rules for DTH Quora?

The new TRAI rules indicate that no distributor can charge above the MRP rate declared by the broadcaster. The good part is all the Free to AIR channels will be available to you for free. As per the TRAI DTH framework, you can choose 100 channels at Rs 130.

What are the mandatory channels as per TRAI?

Among other changes, Trai has also made two slabs for the network capacity fee (NCF) – Rs 130 per month for up to 200 channels and Rs 160 for more than 200 channels. Also, the 25 mandatory channels of Prasar Bharati are kept out of the 200 channels.

What is network fee TRAI?

Further, Trai has mandated the provision of 200 channels in maximum NCF (network capacity fee) of ₹130 excluding taxes per month. DPOs (distribution platform operators) have also been mandated that they will not charge more than ₹160 per month for giving all channels available on their platform.

Can we remove FTA channels?

'100 free-to-air channels not mandatory' Subscribers can instead opt out of up to 100 FTA channels and subscribe to an equivalent number of standard definition (SD) pay channels or half the number of high definition (HD) pay channels without having to fork out additional network capacity fee.

Why Tata Sky is charging network fee?

The theory behind this network charge — also known as network capacity fee or NFC — is that if you are using a bigger pipe, then you pay more for the same. This is similar to broadband service, where a user who has a 20 Mbps unlimited connection pays more than a user who has a 10 Mbps connection.

How many free channels does TRAI have?

TRAI caps the amount consumers will have to pay monthly for all free to air channels at Rs 160; operators need to mandatorily provide as many as 200 channels for Rs 153 a month.