Terming the move as the biggest reform in the broadcasting sector, she said the "must carry, must provide" clause will invite action against operators not showing a particular channel.
"Digitalisation is going to be the biggest reform in the broadcast sector. It is going to be a win-win situation for the consumers, providing them choice, variety, local, regional and niche content," Soni said.
The entire network of cable TVs in the country is proposed to be digitised in four phases and the process will be completed by December 2014, she said.
In the first phase, four metros -- Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata -- will be covered by October 31, the minister said.
The government is also working on the possibility of providing set top boxes to consumers in instalments, she said.
On concerns of broadcasters about possible charging of high carriage fees by cable companies, Soni said TRAI has made it clear that the multi-system operators (MSOs) have to be transparent in this regard.
The Minister said digitisation will also help bring more transparency in the TRP system.
Soni said transmitters in border areas are being strengthened to counter any misinformation campaign by the neighbouring country as cross-border radio stations are easily accessible in these areas. More
