New Delhi: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) will convene an Open House Discussion (OHD) today to deliberate on proposed amendments to the audit-related provisions of the Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable) Services Interconnection (Addressable Systems) Regulations, 2017, and the Digital Addressable Systems Audit Manual, 2019.
The session, scheduled to begin at 11:00 AM IST via video conferencing, marks an important step in streamlining the compliance framework for broadcasting services.
This initiative follows years of regulatory measures aimed at ensuring transparency and compliance in the broadcasting ecosystem. A key aspect under consideration is Clause 15(1) of TRAI’s Interconnection Regulations, 2017, which mandates annual system audits for Distribution Platform Operators (DPOs) to be conducted by TRAI-empanelled auditors. This provision has been instrumental in ensuring transparency, regulatory compliance, and adherence to industry standards within DPO operations. However, TRAI is now reviewing whether this clause should be retained or removed, leading to varied responses from stakeholders, including organizations such as IBDF, AIDCF, DEN Network, and Dish TV.
DPOs and Direct-to-Home (DTH) operators have largely supported the retention of Clause 15(1), citing its critical role in maintaining impartial audits and fostering accountability within the industry. They emphasize that TRAI-empanelled auditors provide unbiased oversight and have proposed that even disputes over audit results should be resolved through TRAI-approved audits to ensure neutrality and prevent conflicts of interest.
On the other hand, broadcasters have voiced concerns over “subscriber underreporting” by DPOs, which they claim causes significant financial losses. They advocate for direct auditing rights to verify subscriber data, arguing that accurate reporting is closely tied to their revenue streams. Broadcasters believe their involvement is necessary to enhance transparency and address issues of underreporting.
This broader debate on balancing regulatory oversight with operational transparency is expected to form a critical part of today’s discussion, where stakeholders will collaborate to refine the compliance framework.
TRAI has urged all interested parties to participate in the virtual OHD by registering through its official website. The event offers a platform for industry leaders, experts, and policymakers to share insights and contribute to shaping a robust regulatory framework.
For further clarifications regarding the OHD, stakeholders are encouraged to reach out to Shri Deepak Sharma, Advisor (Broadcast & Cable Services), TRAI, via the provided contact channels.
