MIB to soon digitize Phase III & IV

Recently, the Task Force held its second meeting on implementation of Digital Addressable system in cable TV network in phases III & IV. It was held under the chairmanship of Additional Secretary.

While the chairperson welcomed the members informing them that he has had a meeting with the Set Top Box (STB) Manufacturers and has sought clarity on the timelines for Digitization scheme as well as the need for the Multi System Operators (MSOs) to plan for placement of orders with them for the STBs. He further stated that with the emphasis on "make in India", and the fact that the STB manufacturers have conveyed that they have the capacity to deliver the required quantity of STBs, supply orders may be placed with them in advance.

Some of the key highlights of the meeting are mentioned below:

1. On the point of MSO registration process, the members were informed that any interested person can download application form and guidelines from the web site of Ministry and send it to Ministry by post. One is not required to come in person to submit the form. As regards the suggestion regarding on line registration, the same has been noted.

2. On the issue of MHA clearance, the members were informed that the MHA has agreed to complete the process within 90 days.

3. Summing up the discussions, Additional Secretary mentioned that cooperation of all broadcasters is required to carry the publicity awareness campaign to the people. He appreciated their role in the publicity campaign during the implementation of phases I & II and requested them to start this campaign immediately in coordination with Ministry. He urged the MSOs and DTH operators to have a dialogue with the indigenous STB manufacturers to sort out any doubts entertained by them regarding costing, credit facility and certification issues of STBs as raised by them in the meeting. On points raised in the meeting related to regulations, he mentioned that TRAI is already apprised of all these issues.

It was also announced that henceforth there would be a meeting for the Task Force on the second Wednesday of every month.