Financial Daily from THE HINDU group of publications
Friday, Jun 09, 2006
Financial Daily from THE HINDU group of publications Friday, Jun 09, 2006 |
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Radio/TV Info-Tech - Regulatory Bodies & Rulings TRAI issues paper on amending DTH licence norms Our Bureau
Issues for discussion Tatas say there should not be interoperability for PVR based DTH services, while ASC Enterprises favours it. Tatas have sought permission to offer DTH using MDU technology. TRAI has sought views on Tata Sky's demand for exemption of uplinking norms for platform services.
New Delhi , June 8 The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India is exploring the option of introducing commercial interoperability for direct-to-home (DTH) users which will enable subscribers to take set-top boxes on rental basis and change operators if not satisfied with the service. As per the existing norms, while technical interoperability has been made mandatory, subscribers have no option but to buy a set-top box from any of the broadcasters offering the service.
Norms for PVR
In a consultation paper issued on making changes to DTH licence conditions, the TRAI has also drawn attention to some of the suggestions made by Tata Sky including excluding personal video recorder (PVR) from the requirement of interoperability. PVR is an advanced form of set-top box that allows subscribers to get value-added services over and above the basic broadcasting services. While Tatas have argued that there should not be any interoperability for PVR- based DTH services, Zee-promoted ASC Enterprises has voiced its opinion in favour of total interoperability. As per existing DTH norms, interoperability has been made mandatory only to the extent that all DTH operators should offer their bouquet of channels to each other. TRAI has now sought the views of the stakeholders on whether PVR-based services should also be made interoperable or not.
MDU technology
Another issue that TRAI has sought to highlight is the use of Multiple Dwelling Unit (MDU) technology, which will enable broadcasters to link up to an entire building using a single dish. While the existing norms have not taken note of such a technology, Tata Sky has sought permission to offer DTH services using MDU. The technology can be used to provide DTH services to an entire housing society and apartment complex using minimum infrastructure. At present, every household with a DTH connection have been given a dish antenna.
Tata Sky demands
TRAI has also sought views on demands raised by Tata Sky to exempt uplinking of platform services. As per the existing guidelines, companies are allowed to uplink only those TV channels, which are specifically approved for uplinking from India. Tata Sky has indicated that they would be launching platform services with the objective of enabling the subscribers to use the platform efficiently and inform them of platform functionality and services. Tata Sky has sought confirmation from the Ministry of I&B that these services are exempted from the uplink licensing requirement.
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