MUMBAI: Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), through Broadcast Engineering Consultants India Ltd (BECIL), is organising a conference of MSOs, the cable TV industry representatives, that will be held on 18 December in New Delhi. The discussions will pertain to several issues related to broadband services through cable TV networks.

The aim is to discuss various issues as well as seek views of MSOs about feasibility, affordability, and ubiquity on the issue of broadband services through cable TV networks, infrastructure required for the same and modalities of payment and segregation of revenue earned for broadband activities.

One of the major topics which will be in focus is the willingness of the operators to invest in the infrastructure required. The payment of 8 per cent adjusted gross revenue (AGR) as a fee to DoT, whether to be paid only on the broadband services or on overall revenue earned in respect of both the businesses will be also discussed. The need of creating a separate entity for broadband activities for segregation of the revenue earned on it will be also examined.

As per the MIB release, the conference will see participation from major MSOs, MIB, DOT, TRAI and BECIL officials.