Now it is mandatory for cable TV cos to furnish set top box data

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has made it mandatory for cable and multi-system operators to furnish set top box sales, inventory and other data to central and state governments, which would enable them to keep a closer watch on the digitisation process, the government said in a release on Sunday.

In a press release, the ministry said it has amended the Cable Television Network Rule, 1995 (Second Amendment) Rule, 2012, making it mandatory for cable and multi-system operators to furnish requisite information.

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Timely availability of accurate data would be critical for the ministry to ensure timely digital switchover and take mid-course action if needed.

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Last year, Lok Sabha had passed The Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2011 that made cable television digitisation mandatory in the country. The deadline for digitisation for the four metros had been set at Jun 30, while for the rest of the country, the deadline was Dec 31, 2014.

The deadline for the metros has been extended to Oct 31 as installation of set top boxes was slow. The central government has powers to revoke or suspend licences of cable and multi-service operators that fail to comply with the new rules.

Agencies