Aizawl: Mizoram Consumers’ Union (MCU) will sue cable TV operators in the State for allegedly violating the rights of their consumers in connection with the digital address system (DAS) and set top box.
The MCU accused the operators of not following the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and Cable Television Networks (Amendment) Rules, 2012.
Whereas cable TV operators are supposed to strictly follow the standards of quality service Regulations 2012 for the benefits of their consumers, which they have totally ignored the regulations, the MCU said.
The union also alleged that the operators have not made a la carte (pick-and-pay) offer to their consumers as per TRAI regulations, and instead offered them bundle packages.
“The cable TV operators have also allegedly not offered consumer application forms. While set top box has one-year warranty and the consumer has to choose the different prices, from Rs 500 to Rs 1000, the cable TV operators have not made this possible, and sold set top boxes at outright purchase (consumers in states are offered hire purchase scheme and rental scheme),” the MCU said. Moreover, the cable TV operators demanded full payment for the STB and refused to issue cash memos to the consumers.
Consumers who are still using the analog system till the end of December 2015, due to the unpreparedness of the cable TV operators, are supposed to pay half of the existing monthly fees, the cable TV operators still collect the full amount, despite heavy reduction of the number of channels. This is clear violation of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986, they said.
It has also demanded that all the District Magistrates/Deputy Commissioners invite MCU to a discussion on cable TV related matters.
The MCU made an appeal to all the consumers to wait for their move as it is going to the consumer’s court against the cable TV operators. (UNI)
