This is with reference to your query, regarding the packages and the channels.
Now enjoy Tata Sky services with a change in combination and pricing of packages.
As regards the withdrawal of channels such as India Vision, Amrita TV, DD Podhigai, DD Sapthagiri and Mh1 Shradha channels, we would like to clarify the following:
Tata Sky carries the most popular channels on the platform. Please appreciate that although there is unlimited availability of content from various sources the transponder capacity is limited. Also projected increased costs to consumers prevent us from carrying all the available content. There are more than 400 channels in India and our transponder capacity does not allow us to carry more than 150 linear channels. We, therefore, have to review the content we carry at some frequency to make sure that we carry the most viewed, and the thus the most popular content across languages across the country. We are the first platform to bring to the country such quality channels such as Sun group of channels, TV 5, World Movies, NDTV Imagine, 9X and 9X News, UTV Movies, Neo Sports, BBC Entertainment and C Beebies.
In the last review India Vision, Amrita TV, DD Podhigai, DD Sapthagiri and Mh1 Shradha channels came up as content with extremely limited viewer ship and we did what is required under the regulatory guidelines, we published our intention to drop these channels in papers across the country. Also, DTH operators are required to carry a certain minimum number of Doordarshan channels and the laws also do not require announcing the dropping of DD channels in a press notice, both of which is what Tata Sky has complied with. Please be informed that the Public Notice advertisement regarding the dropping of these channels from Tata Sky has been released in National and regional newspapers on 05/05/2008
We do hope to get more satellite capacity in a few months and will try and include more niche content, including some of the channels we do not have capacity for at this moment.
As regards the drop of certain channels such as BBC Entertainment, BBC World and Cbeebies, ESPN, Star Cricket, Star Sports and Ten Sports which were a part of the base pack. These channels are a part of the new add-on packs with effect from 1st June 2008. We have carried a scroll on the channels concerned for 21 days informing consumers that these would move into a new package. We also sent Broadcast mails (via our alerts on the system) to all homes. Simultaneously, the base price has been revised to accommodate some of these packages.
The basic objective of the exercise is to offer greater flexibility and choice to all subscribers. Should you wish to subscribe to any special channels such as premium sports or premium English language content on BBC then you can opt for the add on packages with the added flexibility that you can pay for the months you want these for. The facility is particularly useful for the ordinary subscriber who is not interested in such niche content. And gives subscribers flexibility to add the channels as and when required and not pay extra when there are no events or special airing on these channels. The details to opt for the add-on pack are mentioned below.
Further, we are pleased to inform you that the subscription charges on the base packages have been revised as per the details below:
o South Starter @ Rs.175
o South Value @ Rs.260
o South Jumbo @ Rs.310
o Family pack @ Rs.200
o Jumbo Super Saver Pack @ Rs.260
The details of the new add on packs effective 01/06/2008 are as follows:
Lifestyle Silver monthly add-on pack: This pack includes BBC Entertainment, BBC World and Cbeebies channels.
To subscribe to the Lifestyle Silver monthly pack at Rs.30/- per month
1. Call the Tata Sky help line
2. SMS through an RMN: Add<space>LS to 56633 (SMS facility is available only for adding Monthly pay pack)
Sports Platinum monthly pack: This pack includes Espn, Star Cricket, Star Sports and Actve Sports channels.
To subscribe to the Sports Platinum monthly pack at Rs.40/- per month
1. Call the Tata Sky help line
2. SMS through an RMN: Add<space>Sports<space>Plat to 56633 (SMS facility is available only for adding Monthly pay pack)
Ten sports: This includes only Ten Sports channel.
To subscribe to the Ten Sports monthly pack at Rs.15/- per month
1. Call the Tata Sky help line
2. SMS through an RMN: Add<space>Ten to 56633 (SMS facility is available only for adding Monthly pay pack)
Note: This add-on pack can be subscribed to for a minimum period of one month. I.e.. if you want to drop this package, you can do so only after one month from the date of assigning the pack.
Now enjoy 60 FREE movies on Tata Sky
All the existing subscriber and new subscribers getting activated before 31/08/2008 would be entitled to the 60 Movies free promotion. The subscribers can watch movies till 30/11/2008.
Note: Only movies listed under the Specials category will be offered under this promotion.
To order a Showcase:
- SMS - SC <space> event code To 56633
- Through My Tata Sky (www.tatasky. com)
- Call our Helpline to book a Showcase
Further, we regret for the inconvenience caused as you were not able to reach our Helpline as after the announcement of price reduction, we are getting plenty of calls from prospects wanting to subscribe to Tata Sky.
We appreciate your effort in taking time to write to us.
In the meantime, for any further assistance, please feel free to call us on the Tata Sky help line
From MTNL/BSNL : 1860 4256633 (local charges apply)
From West : 020 66006633
From East/South : 040 66006633
From North : 0172 6600663
Or write to us at help@tatasky. com. Manage your Tata Sky account online by logging on to My Tata Sky on www.tatasky. com
Thank you for your valuable association with us. Assuring you of our best services at all times.
Warm regards,
Melroy Rebello
Tata Sky Customer Care