Honest 836 Report post Posted July 11, 2008 TRAI recognises MSOs as a separate entity 12 Jul, 2008, 0142 hrs IST, ET NEW DELHI: For the first time, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) will recognise the multi system operators (MSOs) as a separate entity and launch a separate licensing regime for them. In addition, the regulator would put out a draft recommendation on the restructuring of the cable television services for industry comments rather than come out with the final recommendation. The draft is expected to be released this week. Trai would recommend separate licensing norms for state and national MSOs. They would be subjected to a separate set of norms for registration with a minimum income guarantee which will be higher than the cable operator. As per industry estimates, there are over 6,000 MSOs in the country and the sector is consolidating rapidly. Some of the national- level MSOs include Wire & Wireless (WWIL), Hathway, Incablenet, Digicable among others. Trai chairman Nripendra Misra said, “Regulating the MSOs seperately would be one of the most significant change. It will make the sector attractive for investments and growth.” The regulator believes that MSOs have a distinct functional responsibility and a separate licensing regime would help them have well-defined technical and commercial arrangements with broadcasters and local cable operators. Talking about the impact of the recommendations on the restructuring of the cable industry, Mr Misra added, “ There are over 60,000 cable operators in the country. This is one of the rare instances where we will first release a draft recommendation and invite comments and then include them in the final recommendation.” Mr Misra said one of his key concerns was the fact that a large number of cable operators have never renewed their registration. There’s no data on the number of cable operators. The new policy guideline for cable television services will create a standard procedure which will guide consumers on new connections, desired content and disconnection of existing connection. In addition, the regulator is expected to launch an effective consumer grievance redressal mechanism for the cable and satellite television consumers. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
