MUMBAI: The telecom regulatory authority of India (TRAI) on Tuesday extended the deadline for consumers to pick their television channels under the new tariff regime till March 31. The sector regulator stated that old plans of consumers would continue until they exercise their options before the new deadline.

The subscribers that don’t opt for new channels would be moved to ‘Best Fit Plans’, which would be developed as per usage pattern, language and channel popularity.

While making 'Best  Fit  Plan’ for a subscriber, DPOs should ensure that payout per month of the  'best  fit plan' generally does not exceed the payout per month of existing tariff plan of the subscriber, TRAI said.

Subscribers will be free to change their 'best fit plan' at any date and time on or before 31st March and DPOs will have to convert their  'best fit plan' into the desired pack (channel/ Bouquet) within 72 hours.

The TRAI also clarified that there will be no 'lock-in period' for the subscribers till 31st  March who has been migrated to  'best fit plan' by DPOs.

Subscribers who have taken long term packs will continue to avail the services for the contracted period. However, they have the freedom to choose the channels of their choice under the new regulatory framework and in case if they exercise this option, money for the remaining period shall be adjusted for their future use.

TRAI stated that some subscribers are facing difficulties in selecting the channels/ bouquet of their choice. In some cases, LCOs have not been able to reach out to the subscriber to create awareness among them and collect the options.

According to the TRAI, close to 65% cable subscribers and 35% DTH subscribers have already exercised their channel options under the new tariff regime.