Telecom regulator launches app to help TV subscribers

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India on Thursday launched a channel selector application which will facilitate consumers to view their TV subscription and choose the channels of their interest while removing the unwanted ones. 

In a statement, TRAI said that after issuing the new tariff order for broadcasting services it was noticed that consumers were facing difficulty to opt for TV channels or bouquets of their choice on the web portal or applications of their respective Distributed Platform Operators (DPO). 

Therefore, the authority decided to develop an app which will fetch data from DPOs. 

The channel selector app is currently functional with major DTH operators and Multi System Operators (MSO/cable operators). However, efforts are being made to integrate other service providers also on the platform, TRAI said. 

The regulator said it has developed the TV Channel Selector App to provide reliable, robust and transparent systems to television subscribers. 

The subscribers will be authenticated by OTP on their Registered Mobile Number (RMN). In case there is no registered mobile number of a subscriber with DPO, subscriber will get OTP on his or her TV screen. 

The app would facilitate subscribers to check their own subscription, view all channels and bouquets provided by their DTH or Cable operator, choose only the channels of interest and remove unwanted channels. 

The consumers can get the best combination of user selected channels or bouquets in same price or in less price by using the app, the statement said. 

It also gives consumers the facility to modify existing subscription and check real time status of your subscription request.

The Channel Selector App is available on both Google Play Store and Apple Store. 

Another prominent feature of the app is optimisation of the subscription before it is sent to DTH or cable operator and, therefore, the subscribers can get best value for money, TRAI said. 

TRAI had notified the New Regulatory Framework for Broadcasting and Cable services in March 2017. The new framework came into effect on December 29, 2018. 

TRAI's new regulations or orders for the television and broadcasting sector gave freedom to consumers to select the television channels they want to watch.