Cable operators in the city complain that only channels, hotels benefit from cricket
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has seen a boom in the advertising market. It has also brought cheer to hotel owners throughout the city, who have registered a significant growth in customers during matches. But, cable operators feel left out as they gain nothing from the cricket mania. They are now asking for ‘commercial’ rates to be applied to hotels airing cricket matches.
Interestingly, both hotel owners and cable operators are unaware of the law. As per Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) regulations, hotels with a capacity of more than 50 rooms have to negotiate a rate with distributors of IPL (Value Media Ltd - VML) to air cricket matches. But, VML officials say they have no problem with small hotels and restaurants airing matches.
“We have made it clear that as long as hoteliers do not promote themselves by advertising like “come and watch IPL at our hotel” or use any of the franchisee logos, we have no problem with them airing matches,” said Rajesh Mishra and Amey Hete of VML.
Narayan Alwa, president of the hotelier’s association AAHAR, says hotels and restaurants cannot be stopped from showing IPL matches.
“We have a written order from TRAI in our favour,” Alwa said. At present AAHAR has about 7,000 hotels and restaurants as members. “Barely 800 of these hotels have TV sets. They cannot be stopped from showing matches,” Alwa added.
Ganesh Naidu of the Cable Operators’ Association said, “In the power sector, there is a clear bifurcation between commercial and residential consumers. Why can’t the same logic be applied to our industry? If hoteliers want to entertain customers, what is wrong with being charged for it?”
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