TRAI warning to Arasu Cable TV
TRAI, (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) warned that the current mode of non-digital television in Chennai should stop immediately. There is a prospect of telecast being stopped.
TV digital broadcast
is being done in other major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata since 1st
November, 2012. Digital broadcast work was started in Chennai by Arasu TV with MSO
(Multi-system Operators). However, the state government refused permission and
the work was stopped. The case is in court. Arasu TV continued analogue
telecast whereas some MSOs telecast on digital mode.
TRAI conducted a
meeting with these operators. Mr. Rajiv Agarwal, Secretary informed:
Cable TV telecast
must be in digital mode. Improved quality in telecast, customer grievance cell,
and payment system were some of the items enforced in the law regarding the
telecast in digital mode from 1st November all over India. Chennai
has not followed this. This must be stopped forthwith. Otherwise, heavy penalty
will be imposed on the MSOs and the permission to telecast will be withdrawn
and the telecast will be stopped. Legal action will be taken.
Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu
cable operators have applied to TRAI for permission to telecast on digital mode
and are ready to distribute the set-top boxes after permission. However,. No
acton has been taken to give this permission yet. TRAI has refrained from giving
authority to the state governments on this issue as some decisions may be
influenced politically.
