They have argued that the current regime unfairly allows commercial establishments such as hotels, restaurants and bars to access television content at the same rates as ordinary households.
The broadcasters are also seeking deregulation of channel pricing and want the flexibility to negotiate rates with commercial users, according to industry officials.
Retail subscribers refer to individual pay-TV homes, while commercial subscribers include businesses that provide television as a service to their customers, such as hotels, airports, cafes and sports bars.
In 2015, Trai removed the distinction between retail and commercial subscribers. Until then, broadcasters could charge different rates to the two categories and enter into direct commercial agreements.
The change led to a tripartite arrangement involving broadcasters, distribution platforms and commercial establishments. Broadcasters argue that most other sectors continue to maintain separate pricing structures for individual and business users.
In its submission to the Trai, the IBDF called the existing framework as outdated, particularly as traditional TV viewership declines. The reach of television broadcasting has dropped from 120 million households in 2022 to about 90 million today, according to industry sources, as digital and streaming platforms continue to grow.
Broadcasters are also expected to take up the matter with Trai soon to push for regulatory changes, according to people familiar with the development.
The push for separate tariffs comes as Trai prepares a pre-consultation paper to review the television pricing regime in the context of changing media consumption habits.
Trai officials said the consultation process is still in its early stages. Inputs have been received from broadcasters, DTH providers and cable operators, including IBDF, the News Broadcasters and Digital Association (NBDA), the All India Digital Cable Federation (AIDCF), and platforms such as Tata Play and Dish TV.
Broadcasters said the issue has become critical as subscription revenues have plateaued or declined in recent years.
In its submission, the IBDF said the regulatory structure is overly prescriptive, placing limits on pricing and bundling.
