State run cable TV corporation to start services from Sept 2

Chennai, Aug 30: In an apparent move to end the monopoly of the Marans-owned multi-crore cable TV business, state-run Arasu Cable TV corporation will start functioning from September 2.

A total of 90 channels, including pay channels would be available on this platform for a monthly fee of Rs 70, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa told the Assembly today

Slamming the previous DMK government which started the service in the wake of split in the DMK first family involving the Marans, she said the same government which launched the service was also instrumental in it going dormant (after DMK chief M Karunanidhi and Marans patched up).

"The corporation provided 50,000 cable connections when it was started in 2007 but due to selfishness of rulers,it shrunk to 432 as on March 31, 2011,"she said in a suo moto statement.

After assuming power all efforts were taken to restructure the corporation,she said referring to appointing of a Chairman and a Managing Director as part of this.

Infrastructure like digital heads were also restructured she said, adding over 34,000 Multi-System Operators (MSO) and cable operators who possess 1.45 crore connections have joined it which will cover areas other than Chennai.

"Efforts have been taken to broadcast 90 channels through Arasu cable TV and Free To Air (FTA) channels to start with. Pay channels will be added later," she said.

While consumers will be charged Rs 70 per month, operators will have to pay Rs 20 per connection she said, adding her government's latest initiative would ensure delivery of cable services at nominal rates.

PTI