Analog to digital set top box migration deadline extended by a month

The submission was made before vacation judge Justice S Vaidyanathan, who was hearing a petition from the Chennai Metro Cable TV Operators Association seeking to quash the regulatory framework brought in by the TRAI paving way for shifting from analog to digital set top box system. The deadline for the proposal to come into force, which was ending on December 29, 2018, has now been extended by to January 31, 2019, the counsel appearing for TRAI submitted.

The cable TV operators’ association, represented by its general secretary M R Srinivasan, flayed the urgency shown by TRAI in giving effect to the new directions, and contended that the actual benefit of the new system would accrue to the broadcasters, who would take a major share, depriving the local cable operators of fair share.

Each operator has invested huge amounts, and would be severely affected if the new system took effect, the association said. As per the new system, each cable operator would have to call upon the subscriber to choose the channel and collect the required fees, which, the association held, was not practical. At present, consumers can choose their channels and view all of them at a fixed price.

The new system was not easy to choose, nor was it consumer-friendly, the association alleged.

“In any event, the impugned notifications proceed as if the old analog system has been abolished, which in fact is incorrect as far as Chennai City is concerned,” the plea noted.

The new regulations, if implemented, would affect the livelihood of the cable operators and lead to chaos, the plea claimed and sought an interim stay.

Justice S Vaidyanathan adjourned the case to January 3 after TRAI counsel submitted that the new schedule by which all existing packs/ plans/bouquets to the subscribers wouldcontinue uninterrupted till January 31, 2019.