New Delhi: In a move to check arm-twisting practices and bring in more transparency in broadcasting business, regulator Trai today proposed uniform inter-connection guidelines for transmission of TV channels across all available platforms like cable, DTH and IPTV.The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India in the draft has proposed capping of carriage fee charged by distribution networks like DTH players, cable operators for transmitting TV channels at China boundary wire Manufacturers 20 paise per channel per user.Similarly, it has proposed to prohibit such exclusive agreements between a distributor of TV channels with a broadcaster that prevents any other broadcasters from obtaining access to the network of such a distributor. According to Trai, transparency and non-discrimination at various levels of broadcast distribution chain will lead to healthy competition in the sector.The regulator has proposed "must-carry provision for all addressable systems on first-come first-serve basis"."The Authority is of the view that the common regulatory framework for inter-connection of all types of addressable systems will ensure a level-playing field among different service providers," Trai said in a note explaining draft norms on inter-connection issued today.At present, two separate regulatory frameworks are applicable for inter-connection of HITS (head-end in the sky operator), IPTV and DTH, and cable TV services..

The broadcast takes the route of distribution network and reaches viewers either through DTH, cable operator or an IPTV.In the broadcast sector, there are a number of intermediaries between a broadcaster and the end consumer.At present, two separate regulatory frameworks are applicable for inter-connection of HITS, IPTV and DTH, and cable TV services."The distributors of TV channels may offer discounts on the carriage fee rate declared by them not exceeding 35 per cent of the rate of the carriage fee declared," Trai said.Besides, "no carriage fee is to be paid by a broadcaster if the subscription of the channel is more than or equal to 20 per cent of the subscriber base". Trai has also incorporated a provision to curb discrimination among different tiers of TV channel distribution network through discriminatory discounts.As per the Draft Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable Services) Inter-connection (Addressable Systems) Regulations, 2016, a common inter-connection rule when implemented would foster competition, promote orderly growth and result in better quality of services at affordable prices to subscribers. The regulator has proposed prohibition of any exclusive agreement between the broadcaster and the distributor of a channel that can prevent any other distributor from obtaining TV channels of such a broadcaster for distribution. HITS is a satellite multiplex service that provides cable channels."The DPOs (Distribution Platform Operators) would be able to compete with each other based on their own strengths if the signals of TV channels are provided to them on equal terms," Trai maintained

At the same time, it acknowledged that this might result in interview appointment backlogs. "In order to ensure that proper focus is given to each application, posts generally should not schedule more than 120 visa interviews per consular adjudicator per day," the cable said. "This will certainly slow down the screening process and impose substantial burden on the applicants. "Consular officers should not hesitate to refuse any case presenting security concerns," Tillerson wrote in the cable..Immigration attorneys said the latest move would slow down the visa issuing process and result in backlogs. It was not clear if the move will have any impact on Indians.It would also require the applicant to share with visa officer all phone numbers, emails and social media accounts used in the last five years.Washington: The Trump administration has instructed all its diplomatic missions worldwide to identify certain groups that need extra scrutiny and adopt a rigorous vetting process for issuing visas.The cable dated March 15 says these additional protocols have been put in place to prevent the entry into the US of foreign nationals who may aid, support or commit violent, criminal or terrorist acts and ensure that those allowed to come in are rigorously vetted.The cable was sent after President Donald Trump signed a revised executive order restricting travel from six Muslim-majority countries on March 6.The classified cable asks all its overseas diplomatic posts to immediately draw a set of criteria for a rigorous vetting process for issuing visas to foreign nationals.The cable instructed visa issuing officers to ask additional questions to the applicants.Tillerson&Silicone Wire Factory39;

s cable also restricts the number of interviews one visa officer can do every day. It will make it much harder and create substantial delays," said Greg Chan, director of American Immigration Lawyers Association.Those applying for an American # visa including tourist and business visas would be asked to furnish details of their employment and residence for the last 15 years and all the phone numbers they used in the previous five years, a diplomatic cable issued by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, said.In 2016, the State Department issued more than 10 million non-immigrant visas and more than 617,000 immigrant visas. "All visa decisions are national security decisions," he added