With the first phase of implementation of Conditional Access System nearing completion, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India as well as the I&B Ministry are moving towards a next phase of voluntary introduction of CAS in new areas as also for price rationalisation.

Despite rumours of substantial revenue loss in certain areas in Kolkata and Mumbai, where households are happy to just watch the free-to-air channels by paying Rs 70 and not more, the Ministry is preparing for a stake holders meeting this month to explore ways of bringing down the prices of set-top boxes through “rationalisation of price” by cutting import duties and by encouraging indigenous production of STBs.

On its part, the TRAI has constituted a small sub-group to discuss issues relating to digitalisation and voluntary introduction of CAS. “In order to take the process forward, the TRAI has already conducted a round table meeting with the stakeholders,” TRAI official RN Chaubey said.

The scope and possibility of voluntary implementation of CAS in other parts of the country to take digitalisation process forward was also discussed at the February 1 meeting called by TRAI. Experts as well as representatives of consumer organisations, multi-system operators, cable operators, DTH operators, broadcasters and equipment manufacturers discussed issues “by which a feasible roadmap” of taking digitisation of broadcasting can be taken forward.

The present figure of STBs needed in the CAS-notified areas—Mumbai, South Delhi and Kolkata—since December 31, is around 4,50,000. With Mumbai topping the list with 2,10,000 STBs followed by South Delhi accounting for 1,78,000 STBs and Kolkata with 50,000 STBs.

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