Does DTH Portability Work In India?
Inter-operability, or DTH portability, is currently not available in India since each set-top box has separate software and settings established by the operator, and so cannot be used for the services of another business. However, with TRAI's recent regulations for DTH, portability might soon become a possibility.
The abbreviation TRAI stands for Telecom Regulatory Authority of India.
TRAI's Regulation About DTH Portability
As per TRAI regulation, one set-top box is enough to watch shows of every DTH operator. Back in 2019, RS Sharma, TRAI chairman had stated that interoperability of DTH and also cable services would be made possible, all over India. Users would be able to use a common set-top box and would not have to switch their DTH operator, which is a great option due to the competitive plans each DTH provider offers. However, this regulation has still not passed, and currently, DTH portability is still not practically possible in India.
TRAI's Recommendations Related To DTH Portability
Even though DTH portability is still not possible, TRAI has offered some recommendations related to this concept that can help DTH providers offer a more seamless experience to customers. We've listed some of their recommendations below:
- As per TRAI, all DTH service providers should support interoperability. The same applies to Cable operators as well. TRAI has requested the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to enforce this as a regulation.
- When the new rules are in place, subscribers will be able to switch between DTH operators without having to change their set-top box. There will be no need to buy a new Set-top-box just because you are switching to a different Service provider.
- Another recommendation from TRAI is to have mandatory provision for USB port-based interfaces common to all the digital TV sets within India.
TRAI is conferring to set up a committee to study the various possibilities for DTH portability. The members will have representatives from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards), TRAI and of course representatives of Television manufacturers.
The Benefits of DTH Portability
Many customers are choosing OTT platforms over DTH due to the convenience and variety. However, one of the obvious benefits of DTH portability is customer convenience. However, along with being extremely beneficial for customers, the concept of DTH portability is useful for DTH providers as well. This is because costs can be brought down considerably if DTH operators resort to techniques that involve sharing infrastructure. Scarce resources like satellites etc can be used more effectively with the sharing concept. This will effectively reduce the cost borne by subscribers.
So, apart from subscriber inconvenience, the lack of DTH portability is also a major hindrance to technical advancement as well.
The Downside of DTH Portability
Currently, the main downside is that although the hassle of switching DTH operators is avoided, the cost of the CAM device is much higher. Most of the basic set-top boxes are priced at lower costs. So subscribers have not been actively drawn into this option as of now. We will have to wait and see how the response is going to be from DTH subscribers in the coming few years to give a solid opinion about the feasibility of DTH portability.
The First Provider To Offer DTH Portability In India: DishTV
DishTV has been the first to start implementing DTH portability among the various DTH service providers. The Dish Freedom Pack has been introduced which allows DTH portability.
What is Dish Freedom?
Dish Freedom is a CAM card - Conditional Access Module card which a subscriber can insert into the card slot of any set-top box. Once the CAM card has been inserted, the existing Dish Antenna has to be realigned and tuned to the Dish TV frequency.
Dish Freedom Plans
The Dish Freedom CAM device can be availed at Rs 990/- upfront. There is an annual recharge price of Rs 450/- included in this pack. However, all the Dish TV channels will not be available.
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Frequently Asked Questions
I have been with Tata Sky for a while now. Would like to try Airtel DTH services. Is it possible to switch to Airtel?
As per current norms, you cannot switch between DTH operators right now. DTH portability is something that is being discussed by regulatory authorities. Hence, if you're looking to switch from Tata Sky to Airtel DTH, you'll have to first discontinue your Tata Sky, then apply for a new Airtel DTH connection and wait for the installation of a new dish and set-top box.
I need to change my DTH service provider. But I don’t want to buy a new dish or set-top box. Can I do this?
TRAI is looking at the possibility of introducing interoperability between DTH service providers as well as cable operators. As of now, this hasn't become functional. So you cannot change a DTH service provider and keep the old set-top box. It would have to be returned and you will have to purchase a new Set-top-box from the new service provider.
What is the latest rule on DTH service?
TRAI has revised DTH service rules effective March 2020 stating that more channels are to be offered at lower prices. The free channels at NCF (Network Capacity Fee) Rs 130/- are now 200, when earlier it was 100 channels.
I would like to port my Dish TV. What are the methods available?
DTH portability has been in discussion for a long time. For now, Dish TV gives you the option to switch to the Dish network by taking the DISH freedom pack. Dish TV is, among the current DTH service providers, the only provider offering this option.