Delhi cable operators challenge JIO TV's live streaming: Impact on local businesses

Concerns have been voiced by the All Local Cable Operator Association (ALCOA) in the Indian capital, New Delhi, on how JIO TV's live broadcasting may affect their business.

They argue that the cable TV industry is suffering major financial losses and employment reductions as a result of JIO TV's live and linear content broadcasting on its OTT platform.

JIO TV's conduct is not compliant with current regulations, according to a letter from ALCOA to the Chairman of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).

ALCOA states that only IPTV providers, Direct-to-Home (DTH) players, Multi-System Operators (MSOs), and Headend in the Sky (HITS) operators should transmit live content. They also claimed that streaming linear material is against the Cable Act of 1995 and should not be allowed on OTT services such as JIO TV.

The letter notes that the number of homes with televisions in India rose from 197 million in 2018 to 210 million in 2020. Even with this increase, the number of households with cable TV services fell from 120 million in 2018 to 90 million in 2020, and the decline has persisted.

According to ALCOA, broadcasters including INDIACAST and STAR INDIA Pvt. Ltd. transmit linear content on their respective OTT platforms, JIO TV and Disney + Hotstar.

Due to this practice, consumers are switching from cable TV to OTT platforms, which are more affordable and superior, especially for young people, housewives, and students.

Additionally, ALCOA noted that the cable TV sector is unfairly competing with OTT platforms, which frequently offer major networks at no additional cost. They highlighted the harmful social effects caused by the unchecked spread of content on these platforms.

(With inputs from agencies)