Insecurity increases amongst LCOs

The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting is confident of meeting the 31st March 2013 deadline of digitization in 38 cities across the country. The second phase of digitization covers the one million plus cities across the country. The four metros – Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata and Chennai were part of the first phase of digitization which was declared successful on 31 October 2012. I&B Secretary Uday Kumar Varma has already been announcing that second phase will be completed in time and is progressing very smoothly.

Why only Courts decide our Regulations

It is strange that in spite of TRAI's detailed consultations with industry since 2004 and numerous recommendations, the industry has been lead to the present situation where some basic provisions made by TRAI are being questioned in the court rooms before even properly implementing them. Stake holders have been giving enough information to TRAI on functioning of the industry in their replies to the many consultation papers issued so far but hardly any practical solutions have been found to regulate the industry. 

TRAI's latest consultation on some interconnect issues has come up only after TDSAT declared some of the provisions in the DAS Regulations as 'bad in law.' It reminds me of the CAS law when its implementation was deferred in 2003 and handed over to TRAI for examination and further action. That time too TRAI did not do anything except carry out consultations and ultimately MSOs had to go to the Courts to start its implementation.

January 2013

1/1/13 -- Describing the efforts of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry towards regulation of television as a ‘farce’ and the self-regulatory mechanisms as ineffective, MediaWatch-India has sent notice to Broadcast Content Complaints Council to expeditiously take action on certain issues raised by it or face action in a court of law.

End of the Analogue Era!

An eventful 2012 ends and a hopeful 2013 commences. The year 2012 started with the Phase-I of Digitisation and after seeding of about 6 million STBs in the four metros, Phase-II targets the next 38 cities in 2013. Whatever may be the manner of enforcing the law for mandatory digitisation and its immediate impact, there is no doubt that the long term effects of digitisation on the industry will usher in an era of continuous growth and happiness.

One thing is sure that once the teething problems are over, many non serious players will be on the path of extinction. Many operators and broadcasters have not prepared well for the future or have not visualized how the industry is shaping up. They will find it difficult to adjust with the changing scenario. Also many who joined the industry for a quick buck are going to get a shock of their life when complete transparency and power to consumers is realized.

DIGITALISATION The Game Changer

We have entered the second phase of digitalization that includes 38 cities of million plus population. Everyone knows how the government has succeeded in introducing compulsory digitalization in the country, using its powers and clout in every which way. The whole process has worked in favour of the big players and the top 10% of the population.

Although it is well known that in many developed countries digitalization of Terrestrial TV was mandated and implemented as a national agenda for the benefit of the masses and also to save on spectrum that has become very precious resource as wireless is heavily in use in mobile communications, India has made an exception to digitalise cable networks run by private companies, forcing it down the throat of the masses even if they could not afford it.

December 2012

3/12/12 -- News Corp-owned publishing company Harper Collins has ended its almost 10 year joint-venture with Aroon Poorie-promoted Living Media India to go solo in the growing Indian market.

Digitalisation Commences in Phase II Cities

I&B Ministry reached the finish line of Phase I of digitalisation on 31 October 2012 with a great result that would put countries like the US and UK to shame where they could not finish the process in seven years. Ministry announced that its achievement in Mumbai was more than 100%, Delhi 97% and Kolkata 85%, Chennai is still waiting for the High Court verdict for its deadline extension and Arasu, the state owned Cable TV network is still waiting for its supply of STBs from China.

Sad part is that all this digitalisation is on papers only. No KYC forms have been filled for SMS & Billing, A-La-Carte rates and in some cases even the package rates were not announced by 01 November, consumers are still in dark about the subscription and ownership of the STBs they have been forced to install. It is a very strange way of implementing digitalisation highly unlike in a democracy.