Mumbai completes 50% of the digitisation target

Keeping in the view of revised deadline of October 31, 2012 for mandatory switchover of the existing analogue Cable TV networks to Digital Addressable System (DAS) in four metro cities of Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai, a review by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has revealed that in Mumbai city, 50% of cable TV homes have already been installed with STBs.

In Mumbai, there is an estimated requirement of 34.85 lakh STBs and so far 17.07 lakh STBs have been installed.

Broadcasters, MSOs yet to conclude agreements

In a run-up to the first phase of the digitisation deadline, multi system operators (MSOs) and broadcasters were advised to sign their interconnection agreements by July 31. They have not concluded these negotiations as yet.

Interconnection agreements define the terms at which broadcasters provide their content to cable operators. Signing of these agreements is a pre-requisite for achieving various benchmarks necessary for a complete switchover to a digital cable network. According to a notice issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in early July, MSOs and television channels as well as aggregators of television channels had to conclude their interconnection agreements prior to July 31. They were also supposed to submit it to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India.

Cabinet fixes base price for spectrum auction at Rs 14000cr

The Cabinet today fixed a minimum or base price of Rs 14,000 crore for the Supreme Court mandated auction of telecom spectrum. The Cabinet, headed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, decided to fix the reserve price at the lower end of the Rs 14,000 crore to Rs 15,000 crore band that was recommended by an Empowered Group of Minister (EGoM). 

The EGoM had suggested a reserve price at Rs 14,000-15,000 crore for 5 Mhz of airwaves as against around Rs 18,000 crore recommended by sectoral regulator Trai for the auction of spectrum vacated from cancellation of 122 licences by Supreme Court. 

Times Television Network appoints Rohit Kishore Chopra as Legal Head

Times Television Network (TTN) has appointed Rohit Kishore Chopra as Head Legal, Times Television Network and Prime Connect. Based in Mumbai, he will be responsible for all Legal and Regulatory affairs of TTN and Prime Connect as well as support the team on Box TV. 

Speaking on the announcement, Avinash Kaul, Chief Executive Officer, ET NOW, TIMES NOW and zoOm said, “We are delighted to have Rohit on board. Given his significant experience in the broadcast space, Rohit will play a pivotal role in directing the legal and regulatory aspects of TTN’s business.” 

Cisco completes acquisition of NDS

Cisco announced on 31 March 2012 that it has completed the acquisition of NDS Group Ltd., a leading provider of video software and content security solutions that enable service providers and media companies to securely deliver and monetize new video experiences. 

On March 15, 2012, Cisco announced a definitive agreement to acquire NDS. NDS’ software platform, customer segments and services model complement Cisco’s networked video offerings and accelerate the delivery of Videoscape™, Cisco’s comprehensive platform that enables service providers and media companies to deliver next-generation video entertainment experiences. Through the NDS acquisition, Cisco has also expanded its global video footprint in new and emerging markets, further broadening its service provider presence and deepening customer relationships. 

Arvind Sharma elected president, AAAI for 2012-13

M G Parameswaran has been elected vice-president of the association. The immediate past president, Nagesh Alai, will be the ex-officio member of the new AAAI executive committee. 

Exset launches solutions for Cable Operators

New Delhi, 1st August, 2012: Netherland-based Exset today announced the launch of its India initiative for the Indian television cable industry christened 'The India Page'.

“Keeping in view the digitization of the Cable Television in this country, we have introduced a unique proposition for the cable operators which will enable them to meet the challenges of digitization, and also result in positive impact on their revenue stream,” said Mr. Rahul Nehra, Global Head Sales & Chief Marketing Officer, Exset.