Some 15 million households are without KBS 2TV channel as cable providers have stopped relaying the signal in an effort to drive down fees TV networks charge to screen programs.

Most of the nation’s cable TV system operators cut broadcasting of both standard-definition and high-definition signals of KBS 2TV as negotiations are under way on retransmission fees. The cable operators want leading TV networks to charge lower fees for screening their programs.

The Korea Communications Commission ordered the system operators to normalize operations, calling their recent move “illegal.”

The KCC slapped each system operator with a fine of 55 million won. The commission will also suspend the business of the cable TV operators for three months if they refuse to comply with the KCC’s order.