The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has taken decisive action against several Multi-System Operators (MSOs) who failed to comply with regulatory requirements for providing cable television services through digital addressable systems (DAS). In an order issued today, the Ministry announced the immediate cancellation of registration for a group of MSOs, referred to as “Scheduled MSOs,” due to their persistent non-compliance with regulations outlined in the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995.

Despite repeated advisories and opportunities provided by the Ministry, the Scheduled MSOs neglected to rectify their non-compliant status. Notably, they failed to conduct system audits for the calendar years 2021 and/or 2022, as mandated by Regulation 15(1) of the Interconnection Regulation, 2017. Additionally, they did not furnish subscriber information as required under Rule 1OA of the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994.

Efforts to prompt these MSOs to rectify their status, including advisories and show cause notices, went unanswered. Consequently, the Ministry exercised its authority under Section 4(7) of the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995, to cancel their registration effective immediately.

While the registration cancellation takes effect immediately, the Ministry has mandated a 30-day grace period during which the affected MSOs must continue to provide services to existing customers. This grace period allows customers time to transition to alternative distribution platform operators. During this period, the MSOs are required to inform subscribers about the impending disconnection of signals through scrolls on channels.

Furthermore, the order specifies that any appeal against this decision must be filed with the Secretary (Information and Broadcasting) within 30 days from the date of issue.

This decisive action underscores the Ministry’s commitment to upholding regulatory standards in the cable television sector and ensuring consumer protection.