|
(i) Right of Way - Even after 12 years of existence of the industry,
there is no policy on "right of way", i.e. authority to use electric
or telephone poles to lay cables at a reasonable rental amount.
Every state at present charges arbitrarily and some big business
houses influence these state agencies not to give rights to last
mile operators to create their monopolies.
(ii) Stealing of Cable TV Signals - Stealing of Cable TV signals
by unscrupulous people to get a free access has not been made a
cognisable offence.
(iii) Entertainment Tax - Entertainment tax levied on subscribers
differs drastically in different states for the same channels. This
should be rationalised by central government and a limit should
be exercised in this.
(iv) Entry Fee for Broadcasters - All broadcasters broadcasting
in the country must be made to pay an entry fee to the government.
In particular the pay channels who charge a hefty sum from the subscribers
must pay this fee so that government has control on their entry
in India.
(v) Recognition as Infrastructure Industry - Cable Television industry
must be given the status of infrastructure industry as part of IT
industry as it is only Cable TV networks that can carry broadband
signals, the future base of information technology.
(vi) Financial Base - Financial institutions should be encouraged
to provide financial help to Cable Operators for upgradation of
networks and installation of new technologies like CAS.
(vii) Technical Training - Technical Training Institutes like the
ITIs, should include Cable TV and Broadband training in their courses
to create a well trained work force for better functioning of the
industry.
(viii) Custom Duties - Custom duties on CAS equipment and related
equipment for headends should be eliminated to enable affordable
upgradation of networks.
|