ZEE-Turner appeals to TDSAT against restoring signals to Asianet

ZEE-Turner, the distribution arm of ZEE Telefilms and Turner International, has appealed to the Telecom Disputes Settlement & Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) on the recent TRAI directive that asked it to restore signals to Asianet in Kerala.

The bouquet has been off from the Asianet Cable network since December 16, 2004, due to non-payment of dues amounting to Rs 3 crore. The company has also charged Asianet with unauthorised distribution of signals and under-declaration of subscriber base that has resulted in huge financial losses.

Siddharth Jain, CEO, ZEE-Turner says, “Asianet has been indulging in rampant piracy of our signals and unethical business practices.”

Jain adds, “In their official brochure, Asianet claims to reach over 7 lakh households in Kerala. But they have been making a mockery of the declaration of subscriber base to us by declaring a very small percentage. Even this miniscule declaration has not been paid for.”

Since December last year, viewers in Kerala have been missing out watching channels such as ZEE Cinema, ZEE TV, ZEE English, Cartoon Network, POGO, CNBC and ZMZ.

“Despite the numerous talks, it now seems futile to expect any cooperation from Asianet in resolving the situation. We have absolutely no other option but to stick to our rightful stand and appeal to TDSAT,” Jain said.

The Rajan Raheja-controlled Asianet Satellite Communications Ltd is the largest cable network services company in Kerala, and is the leading service provider in the region for cable TV and Internet solutions. Its cable network services operate from over 40 centres spread throughout Kerala and touch over half a million homes and establishments.

With a countrywide network of over 400 dealers, ZEE-Turner has the maximum depth and width of distribution in the country.

© 2005 agencyfaqs!