In the eye of a storm over the implementation of Conditional Access System, the government may consider further amending the Cable Act if it feels the need to "discipline" concerned players to ensure a consumer-friendly roll over to the new regime.
Intensifying an awareness campaign to "dispel doubts" about CAS, the information and broadcasting ministry is also asking broadcasters and multi-system operators to come out publicly with their plans, schemes and rates for CAS, which is scheduled to be implemented in the four metros from July 15.
"If there are problems and the government needs more powers to discipline players in case of any undue exploitation of the consumer, we can even take legislative measures, "Pawan Chopra, secretary, Information and Broadcasting, told PTI on Wednesday.
He said the government would ask all players, including broadcasters to announce their schemes, cost of set-top boxes and rates for pay channels at least a month in advance so that the consumer is not kept in the dark.
Asked if the government would take any steps if they do not comply with this plea, he said, "It is in their own interests to come out openly. People will know in advance."
The government also favours that STBs, required to access pay channels under CAS, be made available on easy terms and on returnable basis so that the consumer can go in for other technologies like DTH once it is made available.
"They must tell us how many STBs are available now. They should charge very nominal rates," he added.
In a market of 4 crore (40 million) viewers across the country, the government hopes CAS will be "consumer-friendly in the long run with more consumers and reasonable costs."
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