Hundreds of multi-system operators (MSOs) or cable TV operators are yet to comply with all the terms and conditions for their registration as prescribed by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB).
As per the latest list released by MIB, there are over 1,700 operators and around 230 of them are compliant. Registration of more than 250 non-compliant MSOs stand suspended.
Taking cognizance of the matter, the ministry had issued an advisory in March asking registered broadcasters to enter into new interconnection or renewal agreements only with those MSOs whose status was “compliant”. The ministry decided to mark as “non-compliant” all operators who fail to comply with the terms and conditions of registration.
The violations recorded included violation of Audit Regulations, non-furnishing of information to the Ministry and non-reporting of change of director or shareholder.
The ministry had earlier said that if a broadcaster already has an agreement with a non-compliant MSO, it would have to approach the operator and ask the company to change the status. As mandated under the Inter-connection Regulation issued by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), a broadcaster is required to sign an agreement with a distributor of TV channels for providing signals on a non-discriminatory basis.
In a March advisory, the ministry had taken feedback from broadcasters about issues related to “under-reporting” of subscriber base and non-compliance of TRAI’s audit regulations by cable operators, resulting in loss of revenue.
“The Inter-connection Regulations 2017 issued by TRAI mandates that every distributor of television channels shall, once in a calendar year, get its subscriber management system, conditional access system and other related systems audited by an auditor to verify that to ensure that the monthly subscription report information provided by the distributor to the broadcasters is complete, true and correct,” the advisory said.
The regulations also provide an option to get the systems used by the distributors of TV channels audited, if the broadcasters are not satisfied with the audit report.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting had earlier ordered MSOs to provide all relevant details through their Digital India portal, as required under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act and related rules. “It is observed that despite having the above mechanism, the response of most of the MSOs has not been satisfactory. Despite providing ample opportunities, many of them failed to register on Digital India Portal and submit information on the portal,” the advisory said. Said.