(6 February 2007 6:00 pm)

MUMBAI: Foloowing the rollout of conditional access system (Cas) in parts of Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata, broadcast regulator Trai has conducted a round table meeting on digitalization of television transmission and voluntary implementation of Cas.

In order to take the process of digitalization forward and also to explore the possibility of voluntary implementation of CAS in other parts of the country, Trai conducted a round table meeting on 1 February in Delhi with various stake holders.

Experts as well as representatives of consumer organizations, multi system operators (MSOs), cable operators, DTH operators, broadcasters and equipment manufacturers participated in the round table. In the meeting there was a broad consensus about the need for digitalization and addressability. The participants raised certain issues in order to arrive at a feasible road map. The major issues that were raised by the stakeholders relates to fiscal rationalization, encouragement of domestic manufacturing, changes in the regulatory regime (especially the need for price control), ensuring affordability and choice and exploring alternative models for voluntary Cas.

A small sub group has been constituted in order to discuss issues relating to digitalization and voluntary introduction of Cas. The discussions with the stake holders would continue in future also.s