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One
other critical issue raised in the paper
is whether stakeholders believe that more
than one operator should be allowed in one
area, so as to foster competition, and hence
create the base for better subscriber service.
The
paper holds that the present cable TV industry
is subjected to minimum supervisory guidance
and control.
"Do
you feel that there is a need to streamline
registration process, data collection and
monitoring to ensure better cable TV services
to customers? Is there a need to have a
centralized/ decentralised authority where
all the information relating to cable TV
sector and also monitoring is managed?"
Trai has asked.
Stakeholders
who agree with this are required to suggest
the structure and scope of work of such
an agency.
"Present
cable TV registration, the Cable Act and
the Cable Rules do not cast any specific
responsibility for effective customer grievance
redressal. What changes do you suggest to
bring in effective consumer grievance redressal
mechanism?" is another important issue
raised in the paper.
In
particular, the regulator has asked for
suggestions on a proper regulatory framework
on the following issues, among others:
- Correct
determination of subscriber base
- Laying
a good quality network
- Permission
and monitoring of ground-based channels
offered by MSOs and LCOs.
On
the issue of MSOs, Trai says that they are
as of now treated in regulation as cable
service sector and has asked whether they
should come under a distinct and separate
regulation.
On
this issue the paper says: "The suggestions
may specifically cover, among others, the
issues relating to registration of multi-city
MSOs, monitoring mechanism, number of MSOs
in a city/state etc."
Trai
has also sought suggestions on QoS (quality
of service) parameters for non-Cas (conditional
access system) areas to address concerns
of the customers keeping in view the present
status of networks.
In
view of technological advancement, convergence,
and increasing competition upgradation of
cable TV operators network will be desirable;
however it may require significant investments,
says Trai and asks for suggestions on how
cable TV operators can be encouraged to
upgrade their network, both in their business
interest and in interest of customers to
provide better services.
The
regulator has asked for comments on whether
it is feasible to standardise encryption
and subscriber management software.
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