New Delhi, 28 September: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has issued a notification amending the Cable Television Network Rules, 1994.
Under this, a process has been initiated for renewal of Multi-System Operator (MSO) registrations. Additionally, mandatory provisions have been included in the rules for sharing of infrastructure by cable operators with broadband service providers to increase last mile Internet access.
The revised rules for MSO registration have several features, including applying online on the Broadcast Services Portal of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting for MSO registration or renewal of registration, granting or renewing MSO registration for a period of ten years, renewal of registration, A processing fee of Rs 1 lakh is also required for applying for renewal of registration within a period of seven to two months before the expiry of the registration.
According to the ministry, the renewal process is in line with the government’s commitment towards ease of doing business, as it will provide certainty to cable operators to continue their services without any interruption and thus make the sector attractive for foreign investment.
The ministry has said that MSOs whose registration is expiring within 7 months will have to apply online through the Broadcast Services Portal. In case any kind of assistance is required, the helpline number available on the portal can be contacted.
It is noteworthy that earlier only new MSO registrations were granted under the Cable Television Networks Rules 1994. The rules did not specify the period of validity for MSO registration, nor did it mandate mandatory filing of online application.
Inclusion of provision relating to sharing of infrastructure by cable operators with broadband service providers will have the dual benefit of increasing Internet penetration and efficient utilization of resources. This will also reduce the need for additional infrastructure for broadband services.
