Broadcasters demand content code for IPTV

Even as the government and broadcasters are battling over content code, the internet protocol television (IPTV) has quietly made its presence felt in India, and opening a backdoor to unregulated adult content and a host of channels that are not permitted in the country.

Expressing apprehensions over the entrance of telecom operators into the broadcasting segment with no authority to control their Internet TV, the broadcasting service providers have called for bringing IPTV into the ambit of the Cable Television Networks Act.

Mahanagar Telephone Nigam (MTNL) has already started IPTV service after successful test runs, and Bharti Telecom is all set start it at the end of this year.

Since IPTV is Internet-based, the information and broadcasting ministry feels it is the domain of the communications and IT ministry whereas, in reality, it is a full-fledged TV broadcast using Internet as its medium.

While cutting edge-technologies are resulting in fast convergence of the mediums, the government continues to operate under rigid rules framed separately for broadcasting and telecom transmissions.

"There is a growing convergence in the media and telecom sectors. We have to amend regulations so that we can provide services on a technology-neutral platform and have a level playing field," MSO (multi system operator) Alliance secretary Arvind Mohan told PTI.