MIB to assign registration numbers to LCOs, prepare a centralised list

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has stated that it will assign a National Registration Number to each local cable operator (LCO) in the country.

In a recent advisory, the Ministry announced that it will assign a National Registration Number to the LCOs upon receiving their company registration information, including subscriber numbers. Additionally, it mentioned the creation of a centralised list named 'National Register of LCOs,' which will be made available to the public.

“With effect from April 1, 2024, MSOs and HITS Operators may provide signals or enter into fresh interconnection agreements with only those LCOs whose name appear in the National Register of LCOs published by the Ministry,” MIB said.

The Ministry mentioned that the LCOs are granted Registration under the Section 4 of the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 at the Local Head Post Office of the area of their operations. Section 3 of the Act states that no person shall operate a cable television network unless he is registered as a cable operator under the Act.

The Ministry has issued an advisory dated January 19, 2024 to address the issue of difficulty faced by the LCOs in renewal of their registration as well as to warn the LCOs to not operate without valid registration.

The ministry has directed all LCOs to provide their registration details within 15 days through the Broadcast Seva Portal. This includes information such as the LCO’s name, registration number, address of the post office granting registration, date of registration, contact details, number of subscribers, and a scanned copy of the registration certificate.

Additionally, MSOs and HITS operators are instructed to ensure that LCOs with interconnection agreements furnish the required details within the stipulated time frame.

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