MUMBAI: In the face of rising dominance of certain multi system operators (MSOs) and local cable operators (LCOs) in several states, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) had released recommendations on “Monopoly/Market dominance in Cable TV services” back in 2013. The regulatory body was requested by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) to provide its recommendations on this issue. Presently, the recommendations have been considered by MIB.

Indian National Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari sought a response from MIB about status of the regulatory body’s recommendations, monopoly in cable TV services, reasons behind the government making recommendations to Competitions Commission of India (CCI)and whether this violated the TRAI act and also if the government agrees with TRAI on curbing monopolies.

One of the TRAI recommendations included Herfindahl– Hirschman Index (HHI) to be used for measuring the level of competition or market concentration in a relevant market. Tewari also asked if the government has an issue with the recommendation while MIB responded that it has also been considered by the committee.

MIB in its response also said that the acceptance of the recommendations have multi-dimensional implications, which requires consultation with various stakeholders. Moreover, it has also been added that no recommendation has been made to CCI in regards to that.