29-06-2021 | 13:42 PM
TRAI released a new framework for broadcasting & cable services
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on Friday released an amendment to interconnection regulations of 2017 which provides for a framework for technical compliance of conditional access system (CAS) and subscriber management system (SMS) for the broadcasting and cable sector.
New Technical Framework
• The framework is incorporated as schedule IX in the Interconnection Regulations, 2017. The operationalization and oversight of the framework shall be carried out throughout a testing and certification agency, which shall be prescribed by the authority later.
• The TRAI said the technical framework is the first step to define an indigenous set of specifications in line with international standards, and it is expected to bring “several important benefits” to the television broadcasting sector as well as the consumers.
• Working of CAS and SMS will be tightly synchronized, which will enable factual reporting of subscriber base.
• It will also help in reducing revenue loss to stakeholders on account of erroneous subscription reporting.
• Framework will usher in better content security across the distribution value chain which will pave the way for high-definition content to Indian television viewers.
• It will improve end-to-end compliance and reduce litigations across service providers.
NOTE: CAS is a digital mode of transmitting TV channels using a set-top box. These transmission signals are encrypted and viewers are required to buy a set-top box to receive and decrypt the signal.
