The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has amended the Cable Television Network Rules, 1994, thereby introducing a procedure for renewal of Multi-System Operator (MSO) Registrations, according to a Ministry notification.
An enabling provision has been inserted in the Rules for the sharing of infrastructure by Cable Operators with Broadband Service providers to promote internet penetration to the last mile.
The salient features of the amended Rules for MSO Registration are that the MSOs shall apply for registration or renewal of registration online at the Broadcast Seva Portal of the Ministry. The MSO registrations shall be granted or renewed for a period of 10 years.
The processing fee of Rs 1 lakh will apply for the renewal of registration also. The application for renewal of registration shall be within a window of seven to two months before the expiry of the registration.
The renewal procedure is in line with the Government’s commitment to ease of doing business as it will provide certainty to cable operators to continue their services without interruption and therefore make the sector attractive for foreign investment.
The Ministry has further said that MSOs whose registration is expiring within seven months are required to apply online through the BroadcastSeva Portal. In case any assistance is required, the helpline number available on the portal can be contacted, or an email can be sent to sodas-moiab@gov.in .
Earlier, only fresh MSO registrations were granted under the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994. The Rules did not specify the period of validity for MSO registrations, nor did they recognize the mandatory filing of online applications.
The inclusion of a provision related to the sharing of infrastructure by Cable Operators with broadband service providers will provide the twin benefit of enhanced internet penetration and efficient utilization of resources. It will also reduce the need for additional infrastructure for broadband services.