Cable tv tariff likely to rise in Kolkata with digital system

Cable TV rates for the metropolis' over 30 lakh subscribers is likely to rise with implementation of the Digital Addressable Cable TV System by this month-end.
Kolkata is the last metro where DAS (Digital Addressable Cable TV Systems) is still to be implemented.
Telecom Regulatory Authority of India member R K Arnold said today that the August 23 deadline would be strictly adhered to.
"We are not going to extend the deadline beyond August 23. In this if a subscriber details including channel preference is not done, his connection is liable to be disconnected," Arnold said.
Trai adviser N Parameswaran said after a meeting with MSOs that so far the subscriber management system data for 30-35 per cent of cable consumers was completed.

He said that Trai was confident that the deadline would be met by the MSOs. "If not done, we will take action according to law."

Local cable operators (LCOs), meanwhile, have not either provided the requisite forms for details and consent packages and channels to a large section of consumers.
But in case it was not updated by LCOs, the subscribers might be disconnected by the MSO.
"My monthly cable TV cost will rise to Rs 300 from Rs 200 if I wish to continue with all the favourite channels, unless I compromise on channels," a cable TV consumer said.