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The associations who have come together are - Tamizhaka Cable TV
Operators General Welfare Association (TCOA), Karnataka Cable TV
Chamber of Commerce, Pondicherry State Cable TV Owners Association,
Andhra Pradesh Cable TV Operators Association and Cable TV Operators
Association of Kerala (COA). One of the aims is to get all the trade
protection and concessions for the industry from the central and
state governments. In addition Sifcoa also wants representation
in the Telecom Regulatory Authority Of India and other governing
bodies regarding the cable industry
The organisation has also set itself the job of protecting the
cable operators from unreasonable and sudden price hikes of pay
channels and the MSO's. It also wants to control the unhealthy competition
that has been created by the pay channels and MSO's. The organisation
is also hoping to achieve uniformity in the rate of pay channels
across the country. It wants the central government to recognise
cable TV as a small scale industry (SSI) so that it can avail of
all the benefits given to SSI units.
It also wants to bring to the government's notice the fact that
in the interest of the viewer the government should avoid imposing
service tax, entertainment tax on cable television. This will in
turn curtail the price hike. Sifcoa will have its first meeting
next month in Chennai.
 Meanwhile
the fourth state conference of the Cable TV Operators Association
of Kerala, at Ernakulam Town hall took place a few days ago. MP
Dr. Sebastian Paul said that the easy access to technology prevented
the dominance by anybody in the media world. He noted that the methods
for local editions and niche transmissions are on the upswing. This
causes broadcasting to be narrow casting Paul continued. He lamented
the fact that the local cable TV operators of Kerala were a neglected
lot and stressed that the association must take steps to obtain
their rights from the governing bodies.
 The
function was presided over by Asianet 's managing editor KP Mohanan.
The event was followed by the Mega Cable Fest 2004 a day tater.
One of the highlights was a grand cultural procession. Nearly 4000
people from all the 14 districts of Kerala took part in the procession.
Cable operators from each district brought with them the unique
cultural troupe from their hometown.
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