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Why Star India and Airtel have crossed swords just before IPL 2018

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DailyBite
DailyBiteMar 25, 2018 | 21:47

Why Star India and Airtel have crossed swords just before IPL 2018

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Ahead of the Indian Premier League T20 series, which is scheduled to start from April 7, Star India and Airtel Digital TV have locked horns. However, this is not a new thing as even in the past broadcasters and distribution platforms have been found embroiled in pricing wars.

The issue between Airtel and Star India was simmering for the past one month and negotiations were on. But finally the knives are out as both parties are blaming each other on social media, though Airtel has softened its stand keeping the IPL series in mind.

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In February, Star India issued a disconnection notice to Bharti Telemedia for non-signing of the subscription agreement, non-payment of subscription fees and non-submission of subscribers’ reports. For the past few days, Airtel Digital TV customers have been seeing a notice on all Star channels that they might soon not be able yo see the channnel, if the operator (Airtel) does not renew the contract. “Star network has increased tariff of its channels, which will result in higher pack prices for you. In order to protect your interests, Star network channels will be temporarily withdrawn from your packs with effect from March 31, 2018,” Airtel told to its customers.

So, who is overcharging?

Both parties are passing the buck to each other. Star India is accusing Airtel of misleading its customers by charging extra even though Star has not hiked its tariff. In its defence, Star is naming other operators who are offering Star channels at old rates. Airtel, on the other hand, has refuted the allegation and is blaming Star TV for demanding “an unreasonable hike in rates from Airtel Digital TV”. The issue reached the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal, which asked both the parties to negotiate.

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Star campaign: Why pay more?

Star India made a video and posted it on Twitter, urging Airtel DTH customers to switch to other DTH providers. According to them, Airtel is charging as much as Rs 1,000 for Star channels, which viewers can watch at Rs 200, if they switch to other providers such as Tata Sky, Sun Direct, Hathway, Den, GTPL and Fastway. Yes, Star India is providing the list.

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‘Arm-twisting tactic’

Issuing a public statement, Airtel Digital TV slammed Star India for its “arm-twisting”. “We are shocked at the malicious, misleading and defamatory campaign based on blatant lies being run by Star TV. There is no truth, whatsoever, in Star TV’s assertion that Airtel Digital TV is unilaterally increasing prices of Star TV channels across its packs. We urge customers and public at large not to fall for these lies,” it said.

Why now?

Last year, Star India bagged the international broadcasting and digital rights for IPL for the next five years for Rs 16,345.50 crore. This year, it also won the audio-visual production rights for not just the IPL, but also BCCI’s domestic circuit for 2018-2019.  According to Airtel Digital TV, Star India is trying to recover the cost, and has set higher targets. According to reports, Star is targeting 700 million viewers through TV and digital media. For the first time, Star India’s video on demand (VoD) platform will offer IPL without the five-minute customary delay. It will also have six language feeds namely English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Bengali.

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It may be noted that in 2017, Star India had won the rights outbidding rivals like Sony Pictures Networks India, Facebook Inc and Bharti Airtel Ltd. The time is crucial as many customers are threatening Airtel to switch to other DTH service providers.

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Will there be IPL on Airtel TVs?

Yes, there will be no disruption in IPL. Star Sports 1 and Star Sports 1 Hindi would be available to all eligible consumers, Airtel said in its statement. “All key standard definition (SD) channels from Star network will continue to be available to Airtel Digital TV customers as part of their existing packs (no price increase). Airtel will bear the higher cost of these channels. Customers can go channel number 102 on Airtel Digital TV or www.airtel.in/dthinfo to get complete details of how to activate these channels. Popular High Definition (HD) channels from Star TV will also be available as part of select packs. Other HD channels from Star TV will be available on the a-la-carte basis and Airtel Digital TV will only charge customers what Star TV is charging it, not a rupee more,” it said.

Star India has also issued disconnection notices to Dish TV and Videocon d2h.

Last updated: March 25, 2018 | 21:47
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