Govt examining "Headend-in-the-sky"

New Delhi, Mar 11 (UNI) The Government is considering introducing the scheme 'Headend in the Sky' (HITS), Information and Broadcasting Minister P.R. Dasmunsi said today.

In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, Mr Dasmunsi said the policy on HITS is under finalisation. However, no time frame could be given on such policy issues.

He said the Government was examining the recommendations by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on 'Headend-in-the-Sky' and consulting other ministries and departments to formulate policy guidelines.

HITS is a digital delivery platform to distribute multiple channels via satellite straight to cable operators. The difference between a HITS operator and the operation of Multi-System Operator (MSO) is that the former transmits the bundle of channels to the cable operators using a satellite, whereas the latter does the same through a cable.

Besides HITS operator's area of coverage spans the whole country, as against MSO's coverage area which confines to a limited geographical area (city and towns) close to his headend.

UNI KAS MSJ BST1430