The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has extended the deadline for LCOs to submit requisite details to the government based on which a national registry of cable ops will be formed.

“This Ministry has received requests from various associations of LCOs regarding extension in time period granted to furnish the details. In view of the above, the Competent Authority has decided to extend the timeline to furnish the requisite details up to 5 March 2024,” an MIB advisory said.

The MIB on February 8 had issued a directive to LCOs to furnish by February 23 the requisite details — like subscriber base, area of operatiopns, etc. — through the Broadcast Seva Portal. This initiative, the government said, was aimed at assigning a National Registration Number to each LCO and compiling a National Register.

Additionally, multi-system operators (MSOs) and HITS operators were instructed to ensure that LCOs with interconnection agreements submit the required information within the prescribed time limit and any interconnect

agreements were to be done with LCOs listed in the National Register of LCOs published on the Broadcast Seva Portal starting April 1, 2024.

The government also advised LCOs that an applicant may “prefer an appeal” against an order of the registering authority that refuses to grant or renew registration. In this regard, aggrieved LCOs may file an appeal before the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.