MUMBAI: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has temporarily suspended the interim renewal of license of DTH operator Independent TV until it resumes transmission. Indiantelevision.com has learnt from sources close to the development that the renewal would be reconsidered only on the basis of retransmission of channels.

MIB has also directed the troubled DTH operator in a communication to take immediate steps to settle the grievances faced by consumers within a tight time frame and an external audit as well. It has also restricted the soliciting of new customers until retransmission of channels.

Independent TV abruptly shut its services more than a month ago creating confusion among consumers. As a result of failure of payment to Antrix Corporation directed by Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT), the  DTH operator’s service is still unavailable. 

The DTH operator’s signals were disconnected by Antrix on 12 June due to non-payment of outstanding dues. While Independent TV had filed an application before the tribunal to direct Antrix to resume supply of signals, TDSAT had directed Independent TV to pay up to Rs 12 crore in order to get signals reconnected.