As the digitisation deadline ending at midnight last night, many cable homes here continued receiving signals without installing the government mandated set-top boxes, apparently because of an understanding between the West Bengal government and multi-system operators (MSOs).
According to the Cable Operators Digitisation Committee (CODC), while most channels continued to be aired on television sets without STBs, some niche and paid channels could not be viewed. "Supposedly, state government asked MSOs to continue analog signals until more STBs are installed. At least the ones for which order has already been placed, should be delivered otherwise it is difficult to carry out the orders," CODC Joint-convener Milan Chatterjee said.
Yesterday, CDOC had said that about 27 lakh homes in Kolkata were yet to be digitised. "Except four-five channels, most of the broadcasters are continuing with both analog and digital signals. Unofficially, stakeholders have also been not to impose harsh terms in implementation of the order," said a leading MSO, who did not wished to be named. The government's deadline of June, when cable operators sought time to install STBs, was extended till October 31.
