MIB instructs MSOs to immediately update STB seeding data

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) via an advisory dated February 21 has ordered Multi-System Operators (MSOs) to immediately update their Set-Top Box (STB) seeding data in the Management Information System (MIS) of the ministry and also every six months regularly update it with the latest figures. 

Seeding data is the number of active Set-Top boxes on any operator’s network. MIB said that several MSOs are not entering or updating their seeding data on the ministry’s MIS. This information is important to determine the number of cable TV subscribers in the country and helps in policy decisions, regulatory issues. 

Hence, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting instructed all MSOs who haven’t entered seeding data so far to immediately update it and all other MSOs need to update their seeding data every 6 months. 

MIB further added that Rule 10A of the Cable Television Networks Rules 1994 makes it mandatory for every MSO to give such information as sought by the Central Government within such a specified time frame. The ministry may cancel or suspend MSO registrations if they fail to update their seeding data on MIS.