Cable television prices will go up by over 5 per cent across the country from December 26 this year with broadcast regulator TRAI deciding to permit a rise in view of inflation.

"The current ceiling, which saw a prize freeze as per rates prevailing on December 26, 2003, will be reviewed from time to time to make adjustments for inflation," TRAI said in its recommendations on broadcasting and cable services.

• No mandatory CAS, says TRAI

TRAI officials said the regulator is expected to announce the revised prices from December 26 this year, exactly a year after they were frozen.

"Inflation rate is expected to be over 5 per cent and broadcasters would be allowed to hike the rates accordingly," the officials said.

Earlier, the regulator had allowed cable operators pass on to consumers the additional burden caused by the 2 per cent hike in service tax as well as imposition of an additional 2 per cent education cess.