Digitization reaches 93% in Metro cities. Ministry monitors digital switchover preparedness.

Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has released data about achievement of Digitization in the 4 metro cities as on 30th October 2012.The data shows that in Delhi the Cable TV digitization has touched 92% and with DTH the percentage of digitization has gone upto 95%. For Mumbai the percentage of digitization is 100% whereas for Kolkata Cable TV digitization alone has crossed 82%, along with DTH the percentage of digitization goes upto 85%. In Chennai the Cable TV digitization has reached 62% and with DTH it goes upto 86%. The overall percentage of achievement in 4 metro cities, therefore, is 89% as far as the Cable TV is concerned and with DTH, the percentage goes upto 93%.

Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has sent teams comprising of Technical Experts to visit various Headends of National level Multi System Operators (MSOs) as well as independent MSOs in the four metro cities of Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai. The Technical teams will collect on site data regarding preparedness of MSOs for analogue switch over to DAS i.e., Digital Addressable System. The teams would also look at details of Subscriber Management System and Call Centre facility etc. The teams would also look at the system available with the MSOs to ensure that no analogue signals are fed in the Cable networks after the 31st October 2012 deadline.

Ministry of Information and Broadcasting had launched an aggressive public awareness campaign for creating awareness among the masses about the need for Set Top Box for their Cable TV system. In addition to video and audio spots on several television channels, Ministry had also embarked on a very aggressive SMS campaign. Six round of SMS Campaign have already been undertaken reaching out to millions of subscribers in the 4 metro cities. As a further step towards digitization, Ministry has also been exhibiting slides in cinema theaters. Hoardings have also been placed at bus shelters and toilet blocks in the city of Delhi.

A review of the daily installation of STBs shows that the rate of installation has touched an all time high. On 29th October, 2012 about 88,000 set top boxes were installed out of which more than 61000 boxes were installed in Delhi alone.

The Control Room set up by the Ministry has been receiving on a average around 400 calls per day since 15th October, 2012. Ministry has positioned MSO representatives also to sit in the Control Room to reply to the queries of people from 8.00 am to 10.00 pm every day. This has provided a platform for common people to address their concerns/queries on the digitization process.

Digitization would usher in a regime of addressability and transparency, bringing a host of exciting benefits to the consumers. Digitization of the Cable TV Network would open up several opportunities for the consumers to get access to Movies and Games on Demand as well as internet.