The new amendment also has a provision for sharing of infrastructure by cable operators with broadband service providers, that is, now companies providing broadband services will also be able to provide cable TV facilities.
The Ministry of Information Broadcasting (MIB) has made a major amendment to the Cable Television Networks Act 1994. A notification has been issued in this regard, according to which registration for Multi-System Operators (MSOs) will start for a period of 10 years. Broadband companies will also be able to participate in this registration. In very simple language, MSOs are those companies which are operating the TV cable system. There are about 115 MSO operators (cable TV operators) in the country.
The new amendment also has a provision for sharing of infrastructure by cable operators with broadband service providers, that is, now companies providing broadband services will also be able to provide cable TV facilities. Now broadband and cable operator companies will work together.
Registration of MSO through this will be for a period of 10 years. According to the rules, a processing fee of Rs 1 lakh has been kept for renewal of registration.
One month’s time will be available, however no information has been given regarding the last date of registration. Let us tell you that earlier under the Cable Television Network Rules, 1994, registrations were done only for new multisystem operators, broadband companies could not be included in them.
