KOLKATA: The Cable Virtual Network Operator (CVNO) in Kolkata is moving fast in order to meet its 15 December launch deadline. In the latest, more than 200 Kolkata based last mile owners (LMOs) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with city-based multi-system operator (MSO) Meghbela Cable & Broadband Services.

The MoU, which will see Meghbela provide the infrastructure to the LMOs will be valid for 36 months.  

“Yes, the MoU is signed and now based on this, we can initiate our work.  Around 205 LMOs have come together so far,” confirmed Cable Operators Sangram Committee general secretary Apurba Bhattacharya to indiantelevision.com.

“Our brand name will be Meghbela, since the MSO is a DAS license holder. The watermarked logo of the MSO will also be displayed on the TV screen,” he further added.

The nature of agreement is based on the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s (TRAI) regulations as well as on the demand and requirements of both the parties.

The CVNO model, according to the LMOs will operate in all areas of Kolkata. “The MSO will levy a minimum price against every set top box (STB),” informed a LMO, who is part of the business model. 

Talking on the cable TV tariff, Bhattacharya said, “While the package rates will be the same but the LMOs will have the freedom to allow discounts from their pocket to subscribers.”

Meghbela Cable has already installed around 1.26 lakh STBs in Kolkata DAS I areas. While in places which fall under DAS III and IV like Haldia, Bankura, Arambagh and Hooghly, the MSO offers 9-10 lakh cable TV connections, majority of which is analogue.

The CVNO model is set to empower LMOs to give their subscribers the choice of channels according to affordability.