Star Sports switches off signal to GTPL

Star Sports India has switched off signals of its channels in analogue as well as digital mode after issuing the mandatory public notice on 19 October to intimate GTPL subscribers about the switch-off. 

The reason for the current stand-off between Star Sports and GTPL is the latter’s inability to pay monthly subscription fee. Despite repeated reminders, GTPL failed to pay up compelling Star Sports to switch off signals. 

Vijay Rajput, COO, Star Sports India said.  “We entered into an agreement with GTPL last year in the month of November under which they were required to pay to us a monthly payment for availing the services of Star Sports network channels. However, GTPL has consistently failed to pay us the monthly subscription fees even though they have been collecting money from the ground.”

“As of date, GTPL has a huge accumulated outstanding which cannot be ignored. A part payment cheque against outstanding by GTPL was dishonoured in the month of July earlier this year. We were constrained to initiate proceedings under sec 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act against GTPL,” Rajput added. 

GTPL COO Shaji Matthews, though, says that Star Sports’ decision to switch off signals reflects a vindictive mindset. According to him, GTPL was in negotiations with Star Sports to break the deadlock but the latter went ahead and issued the switch off notice. 

He also stated that GTPL is willing to clear any outstanding amount that is due to the sportscaster. Mathew also said that the sportscasters’ accusation against GTPL of not sharing subscriber report in the public notice does not hold ground.

Source: http://cablequest.org/news/digitization-news/item/3582-star-sports-switches-off-signal-to-gtpl.htmlSource: http://cablequest.org/news/digitization-news/item/3582-star-sports-switches-off-signal-to-gtpl.html