WASHINGTON: An Indian-American innovator's video streaming service that sought to provide an alternative to traditional TV broadcasters has suspended operations, three days after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that it violated copyright laws.

The apex court had ruled on Wednesday that Chet Kanojia's startup Aereo had violated copyright laws by capturing broadcast signals on miniature antennas and transmitting them to subscribers for a fee.

"On Wednesday, the U.S. Supreme Court reversed a lower court decision in favour of Aereo, dealing a massive setback to consumers. As a result of that decision, our case has been returned to the lower court. We have decided to pause our operations temporarily as we consult with the court and map out our next steps," Kanojia said in an email to consumers.

"All of our users will be refunded their last paid month," he said.

The company had fewer than 500,000 subscribers in about a dozen metropolitan areas. Customers paid $8 to $12 a month to rent one of Aereo's dime-size antennas that captured over-the-air television signals.

They then could stream and record programmes from major broadcasters using their mobile phones, tablets, laptops and Internet-connected televisions.

In a 6-to-3 decision, the Supreme Court sided with broadcasters in a case that was closely watched by the media and technology industries.
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