Trai to explore CAS optionally in non-notified areas

Broadcast regulator Trai (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) is exploring the option of allowing voluntary implementation of conditional access system (CAS) in non-notified areas following the success achieved in notified areas of Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata.

It has formed a 15-member consultative panel to explore various options for implementation of CAS in non-notified areas, a Trai official said.

The committee, which consists of local cable operators, multi system operators (MSO), direct-to-home operators, consumers organisation, media experts and government officials, has met two times and the next meeting is scheduled for March 30.

Meanwhile, broadcast tribunal TDSAT (Telecom Dispute Settlement Appellate Tribunal) is also hearing a case from Orissa for voluntary implementation of CAS on a plea filed by an MSO Ortel.

Ortel, which had decided to roll out CAS voluntarily and wanted ETV's digital signals, has contended it would provide signals of ETV to each subscriber who opted for the channel.

CAS, which was implemented in Chennai in 2003, came into force in notified areas of Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata from December 31, 2006, following orders for its implementation from the Delhi High court.

The new system gives consumers a choice to pay for only those channels which they want, while it also provides a digital platform for delivery of television content. Under the CAS regime, a customer has to pay an MRP of Rs five per channel.