The launch of Arasu Cable TV Corporation will end the monopoly that prevailed in the cable TV business in the state, said Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa.
Launching the operations of the state-owned company here on Friday, she said people and cable TV operators were now freed from the clutches of one family that dominated the cable TV operations. “They were enjoying a monopoly and charged exorbitant rates,” the chief minister said.
Further stating that it was a poll promise of the AIADMK to end the monopoly of a few in the cable TV business and ensure equal opportunities for all, Jayalalithaa said, “Also, we promised to give cable TV connections at cheaper prices through the government.”.
The corporation will provide feeds of 90 channels including paid ones. Then it will begin steps to get all the pay channels. Cable TV operators, who have joined the Arasu Cable TV Corporation, will collect a monthly subscription of Rs 70 from the customers and pay Rs 20 to the corporation. Each customer can save between Rs 70 and Rs 100 per month.
Following a call to associate themselves with the Arasu Cable TV Corporation's operations, a total of 34,344 cable operators joined enthusiastically. Collectively, they have 1.45 crore cable connections. Efforts are being taken to maintain telecast centres in 31 districts and provide good service round-the-clock.
Initially, free-to-air channels would be given and soon the paid ones would be added to the service, the chief minister had announced in the Assembly earlier this week.
The government had taken steps to maintain the existing head-ends at Thanjavur, Coimbatore, Vellore and Tirunelveli. Chennai, which will not get to enjoy the services of Arasu Cable as of now. In the other 27 districts, the government would hire head-ends maintained by private operators. Besides, new analog cable TV control rooms would be set up.
