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INDORE: Cable operators have raised a demand for portability of set-top-boxes (STBs). The idea is to allow their subscribers to have the same STB even if they shift their connection from one multi system operator (MSO) to another.
As per existing system, subscribers of cable TV have to buy a new STB when they shift their TV set's connection from one cable operator to another or even switch from cable operator to DTH. In the process, subscriber has to spend a huge sum of amount as there is no buyer for his earlier existing STB and the new service provider asks him to have a new STB.
A city-based cable operator Shailendra Raghuvanshi said, "The TRAI regulation to charge reasonably from our subscribers while installing STBs is hitting us hard as we have to pay a huge sum of amount to MSOs for equipment which is imported from China. Now, we find it quite difficult to charge from new subscribers again for the new STBs as his old STB becomes useless with the change of the MSO."
Indore Cable TV Operators' Association secretary Arun Dube said, "We think that portability of STB is the only way out now as the ongoing digitization programme which makes it mandatory to go for a complete blackout of TV connections sans STB since June 1 onwards."
President of Indore Cable Operators' Association, Iqbal Khan, said, "We are demanding portability of STB for simple reason that in its absence we will have no option other than working as a bonded labourer for MSOs. However, the portability will allow us to bargain with MSOs for the royalty amount we have to pay them for passing on the signals to our subscribers."
While talking to ToI, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) member R K Arnold said, "First, we have left it to the wisdom of MSOs or cable operator to pay subscriber the amount he had collected while installing the STB at the time of his exit. Secondly, we can think of going for providing the inter-operability facility rather than portability. Again, I've to say that it will require lots of technology innovation and amendment in regulation as well."
http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-05-31/indore/39654651_1_portability-msos-indore-cable-operators
..
As per existing system, subscribers of cable TV have to buy a new STB when they shift their TV set's connection from one cable operator to another or even switch from cable operator to DTH. In the process, subscriber has to spend a huge sum of amount as there is no buyer for his earlier existing STB and the new service provider asks him to have a new STB.
A city-based cable operator Shailendra Raghuvanshi said, "The TRAI regulation to charge reasonably from our subscribers while installing STBs is hitting us hard as we have to pay a huge sum of amount to MSOs for equipment which is imported from China. Now, we find it quite difficult to charge from new subscribers again for the new STBs as his old STB becomes useless with the change of the MSO."
Indore Cable TV Operators' Association secretary Arun Dube said, "We think that portability of STB is the only way out now as the ongoing digitization programme which makes it mandatory to go for a complete blackout of TV connections sans STB since June 1 onwards."
President of Indore Cable Operators' Association, Iqbal Khan, said, "We are demanding portability of STB for simple reason that in its absence we will have no option other than working as a bonded labourer for MSOs. However, the portability will allow us to bargain with MSOs for the royalty amount we have to pay them for passing on the signals to our subscribers."
While talking to ToI, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) member R K Arnold said, "First, we have left it to the wisdom of MSOs or cable operator to pay subscriber the amount he had collected while installing the STB at the time of his exit. Secondly, we can think of going for providing the inter-operability facility rather than portability. Again, I've to say that it will require lots of technology innovation and amendment in regulation as well."
http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-05-31/indore/39654651_1_portability-msos-indore-cable-operators
..
