Question : DIGITISATION OF CABLE TV SERVICE

(a) the present status of implementation of digitisation of cable TV service in various cities of the country under the second phase, State/UT-wise;

(b) whether the Government has allowed any grace period for installation of Set Top Boxes (STBs) during the second phase of conversion to digital cable TV service;

(c) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor, city-wise;

(d) whether the Government has reviewed the implementation of the digitisation process across the country; and

(e) if so, the deficiencies identified along with the corrective action taken/being taken by the Government to implement the said service across the country and the time by which all the areas of the country are likely to be covered therein?

THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING (SHRI MANISH TEWARI)

(a) to (e): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF THE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 413 FOR ANSWER ON 23.4.2013.

(a) to (e): The second Phase of Cable TV digitization in 38 cities across 14 States and the Union Territory of Chandigarh has been substantially completed by 31.03.2013. As per the data provided by the industry, about 90% of digitization has already been achieved. However, in some States the matter is sub-judice. The status of installation of Set Top Boxes (STBs) in Phase-II cities is at Annexure.

In order to facilitate smooth transition from the analogue to digital regime, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting had asked Multi System Operators (MSOs) to switch off the analog signals after 31st March 2013 in a phased manner for some period of time to avoid inconvenience to the consumers.

Ministry has been constantly reviewing the implementation of digitization process. A Task Force, comprising of all concerned stakeholders, has been constituted by the Ministry to take stock of the situation and suggest measures for successful implementation of the digitization initiative. Ministry has also been constantly reviewing the availability and installation of STBs with the MSOs. The Ministry has also engaged with the nodal officers nominated by the State Governments for overseeing the implementation of digitisation in Phase-II cities. Technical teams of the Ministry have been inspecting the headends of MSOs in 38 cities to ensure smooth and seamless transition to the digital system. The Ministry has also set up a Call Centre with a toll free number to address and clarify various queries received from consumers relating to acquisition of STBs, various schemes of purchase of STBs, package rates offered by MSOs, issues concerning quality of STBs, etc. The complaints received in this regard are forwarded to the concerned MSOs for redressal. In Phase-III, all other urban areas (Municipal Corporations / Municipalities) are scheduled to undergo digital transition by 30th September, 2014, while in Phase-IV, the rest of India would be covered by 31st December, 2014.