Finding certain anomaliesin the data collected from digital set-top boxes (STBs) across the metros furnished by the multi-service operators (MSOs),
This comes at a time when the MSOs and local operators have been demanding an extension to the June 30 digitisation deadline due to poor seeding of STBs in the four metros.
"Yes, we are contemplating making amendments to the cable licensing conditions which will hold operators responsible," Uday Kumar Varma, secretary, I&B ministry told FE.
This comes after the ministry found some variations in the weekly seeding of STB data from certain operators. As per the revised figures, till June 11, only 27% of the 12.5 million cable homes in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai had access to a digital STB. This is marginally up from 20% seeding which happened till June 1. Mumbai is leading with the highest number of digital boxes followed by Delhi, Kolkata and Chennai, sources said. These figures have been compiled by the I&B ministry based on data furnished by the individual organised and independent MSOs. However, the ministry felt that some of the claimed box numbers were not correct based on cross-checking with other operators, and figures of month-wise box import data.
When asked if the government will give an extension to the June 30-deadline, Ambika Soni, I&B minister said: "Let me get an update of on-ground situation first. We will decide accordingly."
However, sources said the government may give a 3-4 months extension pushing the June 30 deadline to September 30 or October 31. "Tamil Nadu government has asked for a six month extension while Maharashtra government has requested up to six months extension. A minister from the West Bengal government has also indicated that extension should happen. We have to take everyone onboard," a senior official said. However, when asked on the possible decision, the official only said: "We will decide by next week."
This comes at a time when the MSOs and local operators have been demanding an extension to the June 30 digitisation deadline due to poor seeding of STBs in the four metros.
"Yes, we are contemplating making amendments to the cable licensing conditions which will hold operators responsible," Uday Kumar Varma, secretary, I&B ministry told FE.
This comes after the ministry found some variations in the weekly seeding of STB data from certain operators. As per the revised figures, till June 11, only 27% of the 12.5 million cable homes in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai had access to a digital STB. This is marginally up from 20% seeding which happened till June 1. Mumbai is leading with the highest number of digital boxes followed by Delhi, Kolkata and Chennai, sources said. These figures have been compiled by the I&B ministry based on data furnished by the individual organised and independent MSOs. However, the ministry felt that some of the claimed box numbers were not correct based on cross-checking with other operators, and figures of month-wise box import data.
When asked if the government will give an extension to the June 30-deadline, Ambika Soni, I&B minister said: "Let me get an update of on-ground situation first. We will decide accordingly."
However, sources said the government may give a 3-4 months extension pushing the June 30 deadline to September 30 or October 31. "Tamil Nadu government has asked for a six month extension while Maharashtra government has requested up to six months extension. A minister from the West Bengal government has also indicated that extension should happen. We have to take everyone onboard," a senior official said. However, when asked on the possible decision, the official only said: "We will decide by next week."