Question : C.A.S. FOR TV VIEWERS

(a) whether the Government propose to make conditional access system (CAS) mandatory for the TV viewers;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether there has been a demand that television viewers should have the right to choose channels of his liking instead of accepting whatever the cable operators offer;

(d) if so, whether the Government have formed a task force or propose to bring a legislation in this regard;

(e) if so, the details thereof and the time by which such steps are likely to be taken;

(f) whether the Government have identified the technology available in the world for this purpose; and

(g) if so, the details thereof and time by which a final decision is likely to be taken in this regard?

THE MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING (SMT. SUSHMA SWARAJ)


(a) to (g): In order to examine the various issues relating to the introduction of `Conditional Access System` (CAS), a Task Force has been constituted, comprising representatives of the cable operators, multi-service operators, Broadcasters, Ministry of Consumers Affairs and Consumer group etc.

The terms of reference of the Task Force, inter-alia, include the following:-


i) To make recommendation on the feasibility and desirability of introducing CAS for television viewing through the cable network;


ii) To make recommendation regarding the modalities of introducing C.A.S. [in case it is found feasible and desirable] including the aspects like pricing, burden of cost and such other related issues;


iii) To debate the issue of technology for the `Set Top Boxes` and whether the same could be standardized and if so, which technology would be most apt/suitable.


The Task Force will examine all the issues in its Report.