New Delhi: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has issued the Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable) Services Interconnection (Addressable Systems) (Third Amendment) Regulations 2021 which provides for technical compliance by CAS (conditional access system) and SMS (subscriber management systems) systems for broadcast and cable TV, with a view to control piracy, lower tariffs and ensure better programming for consumers.
The TRAI said the technical framework is the first step to define an indigenous set of specifications in line with international standards.
The framework is expected to bring several important benefits to the television broadcasting sector as well as the consumers. Check the details below:
1. The framework is the first step to define an indigenous set of specifications in the line of International standards.
2. Synchronized CAS & SMS will enable factual reporting: A tightly synchronized working of CAS and SMS, as specified by the framework, will enable factual reporting of subscriber base etc. This will reduce the revenue loss to stakeholders on account of erroneous subscription reporting. Better assurance of due revenue, in turn, may encourage the stakeholders to invest for further improvement in the quality of content and service thereby benefiting the end consumer.
3. Framework to bring in better content security: The framework will usher in better content security in the distribution value chain. This in turn shall give confidence to the global content developer community and will pave way for increased availability of better quality, high definition content to Indian television viewers.
4. Framework to reduce litigation among stakeholders: The framework will improve end-to-end compliance and reduce litigations among the service providers.
The operationalization and oversight of the framework shall be carried out through a Testing and Certification Agency, which shall be prescribed by the authority later.
