Kerala Cable Operators have welcomed Government initiative of digitising all Cable TV networks

10 Jan 2014, Kochi: Mega Cable Fest 2014, a three day event for Cable and Satellite industry has been organised by Cable TV Operators Association of Kerala from 09-11 January 2014 at Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium, Kadavantara, Kochi. The event popularly known as Mega Cable Fest 2014 comprises of a conference and an Exhibition with the theme 2014- The Gateway of Digitisation.

Termed as the biggest broadcast and Cable TV exhibition in South India, Mega Cable Fest is held every year and attracts major broadcasters, digital Cable TV companies, broadband operators, IPTV providers, hardware and software companies from India and abroad. It is an excellent networking opportunity for cable operators of Kerala who visit the show in large numbers and see the latest technology demonstrations. 

Many burning issues were discussed in the conference like-

•  Giving more opportunity to the Small Operators to grow in digital regime rather than promote large companies.

•  Providing supporting regulations, in particular ensuring adequate revenue to small operators (LCOs/LMOs) who have been serving the consumers for many years to enable them run their business efficiently and profitably in the new regime. 

•  Reduction of entertainment tax to enable poor families also afford Cable TV services. 

•  Improve and incentivise indigenous manufacture of Set-Top-Boxes and other network equipment so that our dependence on imports is minimized and prices are kept low.

•  Monopolies of large pay TV broadcast groups, their aggregators and MSOs must be curbed soon for industry to reap the benefits of Digitisation. 

•  Level playing field must be ensured for all stake holders getting content at fixed prices and MRP for consumers declared in public.

•  Encourage cable operators to provide broadband services giving them incentives and tax holiday. Government can make use of last mile cable operators to provide broadband to rural areas under BBNL (Bharat Broadband Ltd).

The Association also requested the Telecom Regulator (TRAI) to organise more interaction in different parts of the country as present consultation process has a very limited reach. 

Also, the Association has suggested the Government to provide support of Industry Tribunal 

TDSAT in all states like the courts because it is extremely difficult for small stake holders to approach the Tribunal for any dispute settlement in Delhi every time.

In her address in the opening session Mrs. Roop Sharma, President Cable Operators Federation of India (COFI) urged all operators to remain united at this time when there are more competing technologies entering the market. She appreciated efforts of the Association in creating KCCL and Kerala Vision joining all cable operators.

Source: http://cablequest.org/news/digitization-news/item/4010-kerala-cable-operators-have-welcomed-government-initiative-of-digitising-all-cable-tv-networks.htmlSource: http://cablequest.org/news/digitization-news/item/4010-kerala-cable-operators-have-welcomed-government-initiative-of-digitising-all-cable-tv-networks.html