The Hindu Business Line : Cable operators seek industry status

Cable TV operators in the city have urged the Government to grant "industry status" to the sector to enabling them to approach financial institutions for funds.

It is estimated that implementation of Conditional Access System (CAS) in Kolkata alone would entail an investment of around Rs 700 crore. Cable operators would, therefore, need institutional funding for CAS rollout and this would require the grant of industry status by the Government, according to the Cable TV Equipments Traders & Manufacturers Association (CTMA).

Addressing a news conference held here recently to announce the details of the Cable TV Show 2006 — stated to be one of the largest cable TV shows in the SAARC region — Mr Binod Sancheti, President of CTMA, said that the Government has announced CAS rollout in a phased manner in the four metros from January 2007. He said that CTMA was in favour of implementing CAS, as it would bring the cable TV industry under a proper regulatory regime and structure. However, its implementation would necessitate huge investments on set-top boxes, head ends, software management systems, encryption technology and so on. Cable TV operators would find it difficult to generate such funds without access to financial institutions.

Mr Sancheti said that with the cable TV industry entering the broadband era, the demand for skilled personnel and engineers would go up. He appealed to the Government to set up facilities to impart training to cable operators and help create a pool of skilled personnel to manage the network operations and provide solutions for global markets.

The Cable TV Show 2006 will be held in Kolkata from November 24 to 26. Products and services of over 45 international vendors from the US, Europe, Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, Korea and some SAARC countries will be showcased during the three-day event. Top representatives from leading broadcasting companies, MSOs and cable companies will be present.

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