Government gears up for second phase of digitisation

It will cover 38 cities in 15 states which will go digital by March 31, 2013

BestMediaInfo Bureau | Delhi | November 7, 2012

Even as there is an unwanted delay in meeting the deadline for complete DAS rollout in Chennai, the completion of the first phase of digitisation in Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata has encouraged the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB) to prepare for meeting the deadline for the second phase. A high level meeting headed by Secretary, Information & Broadcasting, Uday Kumar Varma, on Tuesday reviewed the preparedness in Phase II cities where the digitisation deadline in 38 cities in 15 states expires on March 31, 2013.

The ministry had issued a notification dated November 11, 2011 notifying phase-wise digitisation of analogue cable television networks in India. Digitisation of the analogue cable networks has been completed in Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata. As on November 5, 2012, 22.4 lakh set-top boxes (STBs) have been installed in Mumbai, 25.15 lakh in Delhi, and 17.74 lakh in Kolkata. In the case of Chennai, the matter is sub-judice in Madras High Court. Additionally, 29 lakh subscribers have DTH connections in the four metro cities.

The ministry's teams have been making extensive field visits to the headends in Mumbai and Delhi to check for violations. Teams have also visited several homes to interact with people and to take a direct feedback about the running of analogue signals.

The ministry has asked the MSOs to make a thorough assessment of the number of STBs, taking into consideration credible data from the ground level. MSOs have also been asked to provide information about the estimated number of STBs and their plans for procurement of STBs to ensure that the deadline of March 31, 2013 is met in the Phase II cities.

It has also started working on a communication campaign to target the specific needs of 38 cities of Phase II. The meeting emphasised that a meticulous planning for the Phase II cities is essential incorporating learnings from the Phase I cities. The ministry has planned a one-day workshop in November to prepare an integrated plan of action for a smooth transition in Phase II cities.

MIB had earlier written to the Chief Secretaries of the Phase II states to nominate a Nodal Officer from each state as well as from each targeted city so that a close liaison and coordination can be made with the Nodal Officers to sort out local issues. It has also been planned to put in place additional manpower through BECIL to make extensive field visits in the targeted cities of Phase II. It was reiterated in the meeting that the digitisation deadline of March 31, 2013 would remain intact.

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