Date:24/02/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/02/24/stories/2007022404491400.htm

National

Feed issue: TataSky approaches court

New Delhi: Failing to get any relief from broadcast tribunal TDSAT, Direct-To-Home (DTH) satellite TV operator TataSky has now approached the Delhi High Court seeking directions to broadcaster Sun TV to share its feed.

In its petition, TataSky has alleged that Sun TV was violating the regulations of broadcast regulator Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). A bench comprising Justices Vikramjit Sen and J.P. Singh asked Sun TV to file its reply and posted the matter for further hearing on March 13.

Tata Sky, a 80:20 joint venture between Tata Sons and broadcast major Star India, has contended that as per section 3.2 of TRAI Regulations, no broadcaster can deny signals to any DTH operator or service provider.

However, Sun TV has refused to do so by quoting very high rates. It is demanding Rs.85 from TataSky andsays it provided its feed to TataSky's rival Zee Group promoted DTH service provider Dish TV at the same rate.

Tatasky has, however, opposed Sun TV's price structure and termed it as "unfair and illegal" while arguing that the Rs.85 fee included Rs.25 for the group's free-to-air channels in the name of intellectual property rights.

The company also said by such denial Sun TV, controlled by industrialist Kalanidhi Maran, was depriving its customers, in the southern region, of many regional channels.

On January 24, the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) had rejected TataSky's request to pass an interim order directing Sun TV to share its feed.

However, TataSky contends that unlike other broadcasters such as Zee-Turner and Star, Sun TV does not have a bouquet system, so it should be allowed to choose particular channels.

Sun TV plans to enter into the DTH business and has already received a license for this purpose. — PTI