Understanding TRAI's Channel Selection Rules

Since TRAI introduced its tariff framework for television, viewers have much more control over which channels they pay for. The flip side is a set of terms — NCF, bouquets, à-la-carte — that can feel confusing the first time you build a pack. Here is a simple guide.

Network capacity fee (NCF)

The NCF is a fixed monthly charge for carrying a set number of standard-definition channels to your home, whichever channels you choose. Free-to-air channels such as Doordarshan's national and regional channels are carried within this allowance. An HD channel uses the capacity of more than one SD channel, so a pack heavy on HD can push you into the next NCF slab.

Pay channels and broadcaster bouquets

Each broadcaster declares a maximum retail price for every pay channel and usually offers bouquets — groups of its channels at a discount compared with buying them one by one. You can pick individual channels, bouquets, or a mix of both.

Distributor packs

Your TV provider may also create its own packs that combine popular channels from different broadcasters, for example a Hindi family pack or a sports pack. These are convenient starting points that you can customise.

Building a pack that fits your family

1. Ask each family member for the channels they genuinely watch every week.
2. Check whether buying those channels individually costs less than the bouquet that contains them.
3. Add regional and devotional channels if elders at home enjoy them.
4. Remove channels nobody watches — you can always add them back later.

SD or HD?

HD makes a real difference on large screens, but it also costs more and uses more of your NCF allowance. Choose HD for the channels watched on the main TV and keep SD for a smaller bedroom TV or news channels.

Review once or twice a year

Viewing habits change. A child grows out of cartoon channels, cricket season ends, a new serial begins. A quick review every six months keeps your bill aligned with what the family actually watches.

The bottom line

TRAI's framework rewards a little planning. Know what your family watches, compare bouquets with à-la-carte choices and review regularly. With live TV bundled into Purple MAX, you also get OTT apps for everything you do not want to pay a channel for.

Learn more about DTH & IPTV Television from UbiFi, or talk to our team.