New Delhi: With TRAI designated as the new broadcast regulator, Telecom Dispute Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) will now hear cases relating to broadcasting disputes as well.

The tribunal, which until now only heard disputes relating to telecom sector, is chaired by Justice D P Wadhwa besides having two other members.

As in the case of telecom disputes, the verdict passed by TDSAT in broadcast sector disagreements can be challenged in Supreme Court.

"Broadcasting sector has been notified under the TRAI Act. So, any disputes in the sector will have to be settled by TDSAT," TRAI Chairman Pradip Baijal said.

Baijal's comments come close on the heels of broadcasters gearing up to meet under the aegis of Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF) next week to prepare a detailed point-by-point reply to all the issues raised by TRAI in its interim consultation paper released last week.

TRAI has asked for suggestions and views on issues of duration and rates for advertisements on cable services, compensation to subscribers in case operators were not able to provide uninterrupted service, sale and rental for CAS (Conditional Access System) boxes and various other industry, operators and consumers issues.

The regulator has asked the respondents, which include viewers, industry and cable operators, to submit their views by January 30.