I&B Ministry: Analog signals in Phase III urban areas to be switched off on January 31

The Ministry has rejected any extension of deadline. Subscribers in Phase III urban areas, who have not taken set-top-boxes, will not be able to watch TV through cable TV networks after January 31, 2017

BestMediaInfo Bureau | Mumbai | January 27, 2017

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) has announced that analog signals in the Phase III urban areas will be switched off on January 31, rejecting any further extension of the deadline.

Cable subscribers in Phase III urban areas, who have not yet taken set-top-boxes (STBs), are advised to obtain the same from the multi-system operators (MSO)/ local cable operators (LCOs) in their areas immediately, failing which they would not be able to watch TV services through cable TV networks after January 31, 2017.

It is brought to the notice of all concerned that the Ministry of I&B would not grant any extension beyond this date in Phase III urban areas. Chief Secretaries of all states/union territories have been requested to ensure the authorised officers get acquainted with their powers and specified rules to enforce them against defaulters if they continue to carry analog signals in Phase III urban areas.

The Ministry had issued instructions to all broadcasters, MSOs and LCOs to ensure no analog signals are transmitted over cable networks in Phase III urban areas. "Authorised officers" under Sec 11 of the Cable TV Networks (Regulation) Act can seize the equipment of the MSOs/ LCOs if they continue to carry analog signals in Phase III urban areas.

The ministry had earlier given time till January 31, 2017 to switch over to the digital mode of transmission in cable TV networks in Phase III urban areas.

Phase I of digitisation included the four metros -- Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata and Chennai. It was completed in 2012 while Phase II included 38 cities.

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