The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB) has advised cable TV operators in digital addressable system (DAS) Phase IV areas to apply for multi-system operator (MSO) licence before 30 April 2016. The ministry has requested cable TV operators to apply early, as adequate time is required for issuance of registration. The set date for DAS Phase IV is on the 31st December 2016.
The ministry wants to ensure that the licences are granted well ahead of the cut-off date so that MSOs can complete set-top box (STB) seeding before the deadline. As per Rule 11A of Cable Television Rules 1994, any cable TV operator who wants to provide digital cable TV service must have a DAS licence.
To recall, during the 14th Task Force meeting on DAS Phase III and IV, MIB special secretary and Task Force chairperson JS Mathur advised the MSOs and broadcasters to start working on interconnection agreements for the final phase of DAS covering rural areas. Arguing that Phase IV is not far away and preparations should go in full swing from now itself to achieve the targets, Mathur said that the MSOs and broadcasters should not wait for the Phase IV cut-off date to sign interconnection agreements.
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