Cable digitisation drive is on track in Kolkata: I&B Ministry

"During the high level review meetings by the Ministry, it was revealed that in the case of Kolkata, out of total requirement of about 35 lakh STBs, over 5 lakh STBs have already been installed," a statement released by the I&B Ministry said today.

"About 4 lakh STBs are available in the stock which are being installed and the orders have already been issued for the balance requirements of STBs," it added.

There were reports recently that the Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal had expressed its dissatisfaction with the Centre for not consulting it over digitisation of the cable sector.

The reports had raised apprehensions that Kolkata may not meet the June 30 deadline.

The I&B Ministry statement, however, conveyed that its officials were positive about the city's preparedness to meet the requirements for digitisation.

"All the Multi System Operators (MSOs) already have digital head-ends and the existing channel capacity in each of the case is over 200, which is the mandatory requirement as per the Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable Services) Interconnection Regulation, 2012," the statement said.

The channel capacity is being augmented by the MSOs, the Ministry added.

As per the government's roadmap for digitisation, the digital switch-over is to be completed by June 30 in Kolkata and three other metros.