The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on Friday said that it hopes to come up with an “acceptable” solution for set-top box (STB) interoperability by the year-end.

It said it is exploring solutions that will address concerns relating to security, piracy and practicality among stakeholders. With STB interoperability, a consumer can switch to a different service provider without changing the set-top box.

Unlike other developed markets, in India, the consumers are tied to their service providers as each set-top box is seen as an exclusive property of the DTH operator or the MSO.

“Many STBs of erstwhile service provider remain unused, thereby creating electronic waste. Interoperability of STB creates an open and competitive market, bringing in volume of scale and consumer preference,” the regulator said in a statement.

On Friday, the TRAI conducted a workshop to discuss the “Downloadable CAS-based solution” to implement STB interoperability.

Concept testing

“The authority is working with system integrators, SOC vendors, CAS providers, and other stakeholders for technical discussions. After detailed consultations, a proof-of-concept (POC) testing of the proposed solution will be arranged,” it said, adding that a successful POC testing will address vital concerns of the stakeholders.

While the regulator has been engaging with stakeholders on this issue for the past two years, several challenges remain. “Ensuring content security, strong anti-piracy features and flexibility (to service providers for offering value-added-services) while keeping the STB costs reasonable is the main challenge in achieving STB interoperability,” said the regulator, adding that it is exploring possible solutions.

TRAI said that just like mobile number portability in the telecom sector, STB interoperability will be a win-win proposition for all stakeholders in the medium- to long-term.

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