Sterlite Tech bags Rs 200 cr order from Arasu for set-top boxes

A cross section of local cable operators (LCOs) in Chennai have challenged the Centre's notification to implement cable TV digitisation programme

Even as the Madras High Court is hearing the Cable TV digitisation case, it is learnt that state-run MSO Arasu Cable Corporation had placed orders for set top boxes. The Rs 200-crore order has been bagged by the Vedanta Group company Sterlite Technologies.

Arasu Cable Corporation is the only MSO, out of the seven, which has not got a licence yet for DAS (digital addressable system) from the I&B ministry.

Meanwhile, the digitisation programme in Chennai has been further delayed as the Madras High Court postponed the hearing to Tuesday.

On Thursday, a cross section of local cable operators (LCOs) here challenged the Centre’s notification to implement cable TV digitisation programme. This is the first petition to be challenged from Chennai. A similar petition was filed at Bombay High Court, but was rejected.

Earlier on Wednesday a counsel representing the LCOs argued that the problem to implement the programme was infrastructure (set-up boxes), which was not available in India.

The judge asked how did other metros implemented if enough boxes were not available in the country.

Another counsel representing MSOs said around two million boxes were imported and in the last year none of the LCOs had placed order.

After hearing the arguments, the court asked the LCOs why they did not challenge the digitisation programme? Following which the LCOs, numbering 738 of the total 1,100 in Chennai, on Thursday challenged the programme.

It may be noted the deadline for implementation of cable television digitisation programme in Chennai was extended for the third time on November 9 till Nov 19 as the matter was not heard by the court.