Digitisation Phase II: Over 55 per cent target achieved

Over 55 per cent target has been achieved in 38 cities that are set for digitisation by March 31, the Information and Broadcasting Ministry today said.
According to data received from Direct-To-Home (DTH) operators and Multi System Operators (MSOs), a total of 87.7 lakh set top boxes (STBs) have been installed in Phase-II cities as on February 22 against the target of 1.6 crore, registering an achievement of 55 per cent digitisation, a ministry statement said.
Out of a total 87.7 lakh, DTH connections accounted for 40.7 lakh, whereas cable STBs accounted for 47 lakh, it said.
The I&B ministry has been monitoring the preparedness for the implementation of digital addressable cable TV system in 38 cities spread across 15 states for Phase II of digitisation. The ministry had set up a task force exclusively for phase-II cities to oversee and monitor the process.

In its statement here, the ministry said a public awareness committee has also been constituted for spearheading the awareness campaign. As part of the awareness initiative, all television channels were running a scroll, informing consumers about the digitisation deadline.
All India Radio has also started broadcasting radio jingles on its networks for creating public awareness. Other initiatives like SMS campaign, video spots and print advertisements are on the anvil, the ministry said.

State governments and UTs have already nominated nodal officers in 38 cities for Phase-II.
The I&B ministry which had earlier conducted a workshop for officers from states and UTs plans to organise a second workshop shortly to take stock of preparedness in Phase II cities, the statement said.

A regional workshop was also held recently at Bangalore to sensitise local MSOs, cable operators and other stake holders. The Ministry had set up a control room during phase I, which has continued to function to address the queries of consumers, cable operators and others. The control room which also has a toll free number has been receiving a number of calls from consumers of phase-II cities.