MSOs sort out differences; pave way for area-wise CAS rollout

MSOs sort out differences; pave way for area-wise CAS rollout

NEW DELHI: Close on the heels of a meeting that the PMO officials had with broadcasters yesterday, leading MSOs today agreed that if there is an area-wise introduction of CAS, then in Mumbai it would be South Mumbai and in Delhi it would be South Delhi ---- areas considered to be affluent and where cable subcribers are expected to be more open to buying set-top boxes.
However, till 3:30 p.m. there was no official announcement on this. But indiantelevision.com learns from industry sources that the differences that Hathway and INCableNet had over the areas --- South or West --- where CAS may be first introduced in Mumbai, has been resolved.
This was made possible as the information and broadcasting ministry had a long meeting with the MSOs and advised them to sort out their differences after doing a stock-taking review of the preparedness for CAS.
Meanwhile, the buzz in the ministry today afternoon is that a notification may be issued by the government announcing phased area-wise implementation of CAS from 14 July. 
On a related note, whether the government has favourably considered the dual feed concept raised by broadcasters is not known as of now. But while the broadcasters feel that dual feed is the only option if the CAS rollout is to be made smooth with no blackouts -- in deference to the PM's wish --- the cable operators feel implementing dual feed concept would not be technically feasible.