DTH Operators Make ₹11,000 Crore Provision Against Govt Demands
What Happened
Major DTH operators have collectively set aside more than ₹11,000 crore against disputed licence-fee liabilities raised by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB). Tata Play, Airtel Digital TV, Dish TV, and Sun Direct are contesting the demands, which stem from a long-running dispute over how DTH licence fees should be calculated. The matter remains under litigation while the industry awaits a government decision on reducing the current 8% licence fee on adjusted gross revenue (AGR).
Key Takeaways
The dispute comes as DTH operators face falling subscriber numbers and growing competition from OTT platforms and free TV services. A reduction in licence fees, as previously recommended by TRAI, could offer relief to an industry already under financial pressure.