As a part of Cable Digitization (Phase - I) , multi system operators (MSOs) and broadcasters were advised to sign their interconnection agreements by July 31. But they have not yet finalized these negotiations.
Interconnection agreements states the terms at which broadcasters provide their content to cable operators. Signing of these agreements is a pre-requisite for achieving various benchmarks necessary for a complete switchover to a digital cable network. According to a notice issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in early July, MSOs and television channels as well as aggregators of television channels had to conclude their interconnection agreements prior to July 31. They were also supposed to submit it to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India.
The I&B Ministry is does not seems to be happy because of this delay in signing of these agreements between stakeholders and is likely to take a tough stand in the coming days.
As per The Hindu sources in TRAI said that they have not yet received any information on interconnection deals from stakeholders but have received indications from various players that they are trying to conclude these crucial agreements.
Untill now, only one MSO and television channel aggregator are known to have concluded their agreement.
Interconnection agreements states the terms at which broadcasters provide their content to cable operators. Signing of these agreements is a pre-requisite for achieving various benchmarks necessary for a complete switchover to a digital cable network. According to a notice issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in early July, MSOs and television channels as well as aggregators of television channels had to conclude their interconnection agreements prior to July 31. They were also supposed to submit it to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India.
The I&B Ministry is does not seems to be happy because of this delay in signing of these agreements between stakeholders and is likely to take a tough stand in the coming days.
As per The Hindu sources in TRAI said that they have not yet received any information on interconnection deals from stakeholders but have received indications from various players that they are trying to conclude these crucial agreements.
Untill now, only one MSO and television channel aggregator are known to have concluded their agreement.