Question : AVAILABILITY OF SET-TOP-BOX

(a) whether the Set-Top-Boxes will be available only with the cable operators;

(b) if so, the reasons in this regard;

(c) whether the Union Government propose to make STBs available in the open market to give consumer the better choice and restrict monopoly tactics of cable operators;

(d) if not, the reasons therefor;

(e) the schedule drawn for the availability of STBs in the market;

(f) whether the Government propose to make any provisions for the groups consumers living in the same house in joint families having more than one TV;

(g) if so, the details thereof; and

(h) the other options such as DTH are available to the consumers?

THE MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING (SHRI RAVI SHANKAR PRASAD)

(a) to (g): The Set-Top-Box will be made available to the consumer by their cable operators. If the consumer moves to the area serviced by the cable operator of the same Multi-System Operator (MSO), he will be able to get his STB activated by the cable operator at the new location. In case there is change in MSO, consumer can return the STB to his cable operator and buy/hire a new STB from the cable operator at the new location.

Initially STBs will be imported by MSOs. Indigenous production is expected to gather momentum subsequently.

(h): Yes, Sir. Guidelines for operation of D.T.H. broadcasting service were issued by the Government in March, 2001 and four applications have so far been received. Both the options of DTH and CAS would be available to the consumers.