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HYDERABAD: With the deadline for installation of set-top boxes fast approaching, the city is witnessing an intense friction between greedy cable operators and hapless residents.
As per the central government's directive, TV cable services will be digitalized with effect from April 1 for which installation of set-top boxes is necessary. the citizens availing regular cable television services have to go in for digitalization of cable TV services by installing set-top boxes by April 1.
Many resident associations are accusing cable operators of trying to force them into buying set-top boxes at exorbitant cost. "The deadline is still a couple of days away but our cable operator has already threatened to disrupt services if we don't buy a set-top box immediately," said D Sujatha, a resident of Sai Classic residency in Kukatpally. "The cable operator has given an ultimatum to all the residents of our apartments to buy set-top boxes. We are not going to tolerate such arm-twisting tactics. We will lodge a police complaint."
There are also complaints of how some cable operators are resorting to clever tactics to sell their set-top boxes. "I have had a set-top box for quite some time, but the cable operator suddenly tells me that I have to replace it with a new one or they won't be able to provide the services," said P Shankar, a retired engineer from Dilsukhnagar.
Presently, the set-top boxes are being sold for as high as Rs 3,000, which originally costs less than Rs 1,000.
However, cable operators justify their actions. "This move by the Centre has only made it easy for the big DTH operators to capture our market. They are coming up with attractive schemes and many of our customers have already become their clients," said K Krishna Mohan, a cable operator from Banjara Hills.
Some local cable operators are also contemplating moving court to scrap this regulation. "This is causing a lot of inconvenience to both cable operators as well as for the residents" said Eshwar Raju, a cable operator from Alwal who is planning to approach court.
Cable operators, residents slug it out over set-top boxes - Times Of India
As per the central government's directive, TV cable services will be digitalized with effect from April 1 for which installation of set-top boxes is necessary. the citizens availing regular cable television services have to go in for digitalization of cable TV services by installing set-top boxes by April 1.
Many resident associations are accusing cable operators of trying to force them into buying set-top boxes at exorbitant cost. "The deadline is still a couple of days away but our cable operator has already threatened to disrupt services if we don't buy a set-top box immediately," said D Sujatha, a resident of Sai Classic residency in Kukatpally. "The cable operator has given an ultimatum to all the residents of our apartments to buy set-top boxes. We are not going to tolerate such arm-twisting tactics. We will lodge a police complaint."
There are also complaints of how some cable operators are resorting to clever tactics to sell their set-top boxes. "I have had a set-top box for quite some time, but the cable operator suddenly tells me that I have to replace it with a new one or they won't be able to provide the services," said P Shankar, a retired engineer from Dilsukhnagar.
Presently, the set-top boxes are being sold for as high as Rs 3,000, which originally costs less than Rs 1,000.
However, cable operators justify their actions. "This move by the Centre has only made it easy for the big DTH operators to capture our market. They are coming up with attractive schemes and many of our customers have already become their clients," said K Krishna Mohan, a cable operator from Banjara Hills.
Some local cable operators are also contemplating moving court to scrap this regulation. "This is causing a lot of inconvenience to both cable operators as well as for the residents" said Eshwar Raju, a cable operator from Alwal who is planning to approach court.
Cable operators, residents slug it out over set-top boxes - Times Of India
