MSOs gear up for proposed CAS timeframe

MSOs gear up for proposed CAS timeframe

MUMBAI: The JP Morgan report states that states that MSOs (multi-system operators) have already started making moves to gear up to the challenge offered by the government proposed time lines for the implementation of CAS. 
The JP Morgan report says the following on the issue of time frame for implementation
Time frame for implementation 
Recently, there has been a certain pick-up in the MSO activity to implement CAS and MSOs are trying their best to implement CAS by the stipulated date. Players such as Sumangali Cable Vision (SCV) in Chennai have started testing the STB system.
Issues such as the non-availability of set top boxes (STBs) and broadcaster-MSO negotiation problems might pose a hindrance to CAS implementation. Further, the deployment of STBs, getting the subscriber management system (SMS) and other operational software in place will likely not be over by 14 July.
The seeding of boxes will start by 14 July but the implementation in metros is more likely be completed in September-October.
In the interim period, broadcasters will likely resort to dual beaming of signals. CAS implementation in metros will soon be followed up by getting it going in Type A towns and so on. The deadlines for these will be issued later.