Cable TV operators demand "industry" status

Kolkata, Nov 21 (UNI) The cable TV operators are demanding "industry" status from the government.

"The cable TV industry in India in terms of annual subscription is over Rs 15000 crore. It is bigger than the film industry. We appeal to the government to extend industry status to the cable sector," Cable TV Equipment Traders and Manufacturers Association (CTMA) secretary K K Binani said.

This would help in matters of taxation and provide a level playing field for the industry facing competition from direct to home (DTH) segment, Mr Binani said.

With the government announcing roll out of conditional access system (CAS) in the metros in a phased manner from January 2007, it is estimated that CAS implementation in Kolkata alone would require Rs 700 crore investment, he said.

In the absence of industry status no financial institution would fund the cable operators for rolling out CAS or expansion of projects, he claimed.

The CTMA would also organise a Cable TV Show 2006 from November 24 to 26.

Products and services of over 45 international vendors, representing USA, Europe, Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, Dubai, Korea and SAARC countries would be showcased in the show, CTMA exhibition committee chairman Pawan Jajodia said.

Top reprsentatives of some of the leading broadcasting companies, MSOs and cable companies would participate in the show, he said.

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