According to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), the number of DTH users has dropped to 60 million in financial year 2023-24 (FY24) from 70 million in FY21, signalling a clear shift in consumer preferences and a shrinking market for traditional pay-TV services. Per Business Standard, both Bharti Telemedia and Tata Play are also dealing with significant regulatory hurdles. The two companies face pending license fee disputes with the government, with Bharti Telemedia's dues amounting to Rs 5,580 crore and Tata Play's amounting to Rs 3,628 crore. These ongoing disputes add an element of uncertainty to the merger and the overall financial outlook for the companies involved.