New Delhi: Amid reports that cable operators were planning yet another hike in tariff, the new broadcasting regulator TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) today (Jan 15, 2004) froze cable TV rates at the December level warning that violators would be prosecuted.

Kicking off the consultation process to resolve contentious issues including Conditional Access System (CAS) in the cable and broadcasting services, TRAI chief Pradip Baijal said there was, however, no bar on operators to lower the rates.

Noting that there were no standard rates or conditions at which cable services were being provided, Baijal said, "We have frozen the rates at December 26 level... If someone breaches the ceiling, we can take action under the TRAI Act and this may lead to prosecution."

Citing the judgement of the Delhi High Court allowing for three months CAS on a trial basis in Deli, the regulator said taking the cue from December 26 verdict, it had imposed the freeze from the same date and clarified it would be applicable for both CAS and non-CAS areas for all the channels including free-to-air.

The decision to restrict cable operators from freely increasing the charges came within a week of TRAI being given the charge of regulating broadcasting and cable services after which Baijal had said consumer interests would be given top priority.