No further extension of deadline on cable digitalisation: Soni

Soni met Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit and asked her to ensure that all households having cable TV connection install digital set top box (STB) before the deadline.

"Only 70 per cent people in Delhi have installed the digital device while in Mumbai 90 per cent people have installed it. The percentage for Kolkata is 77 and for Chennai it is around 70," she said.

The Union Minister said though Delhi is lagging behind in installation of STBs, she was confident that 100 per cent household will install the digital device by October 31 as Dikshit has assured full implementation of the decision of I and B Ministry.

Resolving to implement the "major reform initiative", the Union Minister said the deadline for installation of STBs in four metros is not going to be extended any further."There is not going to be any extension of the deadline."

The Information and Broadcasting Ministry had extended the earlier deadline of June 20 to October 31 following demand by cable operators.

"Through digitisation, people will be able to excess internet connection, phone connection and even be able to watch TV on mobile. It is a major reform initiative in the (television and broadcasting) sector," she said.

Dikshit, asked about Delhi lagging behind other metros in instalation of STBs, said government would soon launch a campaign to aware people about the issue.

"Delhi will not hesitate to implement it. I think it is a step forward towards modernisation. People in Delhi will install the device by October 31. I have assured it to the Minister," she said.

The digitisation of cable TV networks will offer the viewers a wider choice of channels and ensure high quality of audio and video.