[ಕನ್ನಡ ಅನುವಾದ ಶೀಘ್ರದಲ್ಲೇ ಬರಲಿದೆ — Kannada translation coming soon]
Bhamy V. Shenoy, Convener, MGP A few days back at the Police Commissioner’s Office, there was a meeting of cable TV customers of Gokulam, Multi-system Operators (MSOs) and Cable Operators (COs) under the chairmanship of the DCP. The objective of the meeting was to find a solution to the grievances of the customers. It was obvious from the beginning that Gokulam residents were very upset with
their COs for many reasons like unfair and totally arbitrary tariff structure, highhanded behaviour of the COs in removing connections, uncivilized conduct with the ladies, etc. One of their demands was for removal of such COs. It was shocking to find that the MSOs were not even willing to listen to the grievances of their consumers. We often quote the mantra that the consumer is the king. But this is not the case when the vendor is a monopoly and it is definitely not the case with MSOs in Mysore. The only way for the long suffering consumers of the Cable TV industry is to introduce competition. After a great deal of deliberations, Gokulam residents are about to start their own CO company to neutralize the monopolistic behaviour of the MSOs and the COs. If they are successful, then residents of other areas can also follow their example. According to the MSOs, the COs have divided Mysore, by mutual agreement, into domains inside each of which a CO has a monopoly as far as cable TV distribution is concerned. In fact, such an agreement constitutes a monopolistic trade practice and is against the law. Even if a new CO wants to supply cable TV connections at a competitive price, he may not get the signal at fair terms from the MSOs since he is disturbing the existing cosy relationships. It is this cartel-like behaviour that is crushing consumer interests. There have even been reports of mafia type activities where competitor’s lines have been cut. However, during the meeting, the DCP gave the assurance that he would give full protection to any future competitors. Even when Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) adopts and implements rules concerning Conditional Access System (CAS), cable TV consumers are unlikely to become kings. It is only the threat of competition and absence of explicit or implicit cartels that can give true protection to consumers. It requires only about Rs. 400,000 to start a CO business. If 500 customers come together (at Rs. 800 per head) and form a cooperative or a company, they can become a CO. If none of the existing MSOs gives the TV signals to the CO company, then their task will be a little more difficult, but not impossible. An MSO requires an investment of Rs. 25 lakhs to receive the TV signals from satellites, decode, amplify and supply the signals. If around 2500 consumers can come together, they can establish their own MSO (at Rs. 1000 per person). What we need is some initiative on the part of consumers. The public of Mysore are eagerly looking forward to see if the initiative shown by Gokulam residents will succeed or not. Consumer Movement: How can we strengthen it in Mysore? (Part I) (March 15, 2004) Dr. Bhamy V. Shenoy, MGP Convener As we celebrate World Consumer Day on March 15th, it is the time to reflect on what actually is the consumer movement, what has it achieved in Mysore during the last few years, and what can or should be done to strengthen it further. It is my goal to deal with these subjects through three part articles based on the experience of Mysore Grahakar Parishat which has been active in Mysore since 1989.