"We have finalised arrangements for all the vital components required for implementing CAS successfully: the system, digital headends, subscriber management systems (SMS), billing systems, IT backbone, call centers and HR are all finalised. Our vendors are world-class; hence we are confident of being able to provide our viewers with cost-effective and enhanced services," says IMCL COO Rajiv Vyas. "Our marketing plans for the Set Top Boxes (STB's) will include several consumers friendly initiatives like, early-bird schemes, installment schemes, rental schemes, etc., catering to every segment of the demand. Our viewers should look forward to the experience of having control over their viewing experience as well as the exposure to several value-added services."

He adds: "We have also checked the suitability of the equipment and its technology for Indian conditions. We are focused on satisfying our viewers, irrespective of whether they are pay TV (PTV) or only free to air (FTA) channel subscribers. We also got the ISO 9001 quality certification recently, becoming the only media company in the country to do so, to facilitate our objectives of delivering top-quality services through our digital delivery systems, thus enhancing the over-all viewing experience. We aim to set international standards in terms of performance and customer satisfaction."

The MSO had earlier announced that it had signed on with Nagravision, a wholly owned subsidiary of Kudelski, as its CAS technology supplier. Under the agreement, Nagravision is to CAS-enable InCable headends on a turnkey basis, right from the CAS software for encryption of PTV Services (including the CAS System) to smart cards for deployment of digital STBs in India to integrating it with the compression system/digital headend as well as the SMS, billing system etc. The MSO had also said that it had zoomed in on the digital headend supplier, SMS and billings system vendors. This apart an ERP package was being installed bringing into its fold the scenario under CAS and call centre was being set up. Additionally, the workforce had been strengthened with 60 employees being hired.

Points out Vyas: "As the leading Indian MSO, we are pleased that our arrangements for CAS will allow our consumers to enjoy several value-added services like access to the Internet, Video-on-Demand, E-mail, SMS, Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP), Gaming, Electronic Program Guide (EPG), Pay-Per-View, Mobile Messaging and Internet advertising."