Sony Pictures Network India (SPNI) and ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. (ZEEL) have unveiled a revised Reference Interconnect Offer (RIO) effective February 1, 2025. This update includes changes in channel and bouquet pricing, the launch of a new SPNI movie channel, and strategic adjustments in ZEEL’s a la carte and bouquet offerings to align with market demands and regulatory guidelines, The Economic Times reported.

As part of its updated RIO, SPNI is set to launch a new movie channel, Sony Max 1, priced at 5Rs. on an a la carte basis. While the channel is expected to debut on or after April 1, 2025, other changes to SPNI’s pricing structure include significant hikes across popular channels. For instance:
• Sony Pal: From 0.5 Rs. to 1 Rs.
• Sony Max 2: From 1 Rs. to 2 Rs.
• Sony Sports Ten 4: From 17 Rs. to 19 Rs.
Additionally, SPNI’s bouquet prices have seen a surge of 4 percent to 12 percent, with the Happy India Smart – Hindi Pack now priced at 54 Rs. (previously 48 Rs.) and the Happy India Smart – Marathi Pack rising to 56 Rs. (previously 51Rs.).

ZEEL has also revamped its pricing and bouquet offerings in the new RIO. While channels like &TV and &pictures have seen price increases to 10 Rs. and 15 Rs. respectively, others like Zee Café and &flix have experienced reductions, with Zee Café now priced at 3 Rs. (down from 10 Rs.) and &flix at 5 Rs. (down from 15 Rs.).

ZEEL is now offering six Free-to-Air (FTA) channels on an a la carte basis, expanding beyond the previously available Zee Chitramandir. These additions include Big Magic, Zee Anmol Cinema, Action Cinema, Zee Anmol Cinema 2, and Zee Biskope.

The broadcaster has streamlined its bouquet offerings, reducing the total number from 48 to 30. Notable changes include the Zee All in One Pack – Hindi SD, now priced at 53 Rs. (down from 62 Rs.), and the Zee All in One Pack – Marathi, priced at 59 Rs. (up from 54 Rs.).

The updated RIO comes amidst a complex regulatory and competitive landscape. In 2023, a hike in channel pricing led to disputes with cable operators, resulting in broadcasters suspending signals. TRAI intervened in 2024, advising broadcasters to maintain service continuity during election periods.

ZEEL clarified that its updated RIO supersedes prior versions and is filed without prejudice to its ongoing legal dispute under Broadcasting Appeal No. 1 of 2024 with the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). The appeal is currently under adjudication at the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT).

The changes reflect a strategic response to evolving consumer preferences and market dynamics. SPNI’s launch of Sony Max 1 aims to attract movie enthusiasts, while ZEEL’s streamlined bouquets and revised pricing cater to diverse viewership preferences. However, with increased pricing, the challenge of balancing affordability and content quality remains critical for broadcasters in retaining subscribers.