MxMIndia

Tag: Phase II

  • According to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, complete digitization has been achieved in four cities, 8 cities have achieved more than 75% and 28 cities achieve more than 50%

    Digitization reaches 67% in Phase II cities: MIB

    By A Correspondent

     

    Fresh data from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting states that 67 percent of the digitization target has been achieved in the 38 cities which are set for digitization by March 31. According to DTH operators and MSOs, a total of 108 lakh Set Top Boxes (STBs) have already been installed in Phase-II cities against the target of 1.60 crore, registering overall achievement of over 67 percent digitization.

     

    Hyderabad, Amritsar, Chandigarh and Allahabad have achieved nearly 100 percent digitization, according to the MIB, and 75 percent digitization has been achieved in eight cities – Jodhpur, Thane, Aurangabad, Jaipur, Pune, Faridabad, Nashik, and Ghaziabad.

     

    Analysis of the data further reveals that out of 38 cities to be digitized in Phase II, 28 cities have achieved more than 50 percent digitization individually.

     

    The ministry has also stepped up the public awareness campaign to sensitize consumers on the benefits of digitization, through print and electronic media. Both All India Radio and private FM broadcasters are airing radio jingles, the ministry has brought out a print advertisement in all 38 cities in the respective regional languages, SMS campaign is under way, and television channels have been frequently running video spots, blackout advertisements and scrolls.

     

    Meanwhile, the Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF) has reiterated its commitment to television broadcasting digitization. As mandated by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting under the Cable Television Network Amendment Ordinance 2011, for the 38 cities notified in the Phase II sequence of the digitization roll out, television broadcasters will comprehensively switch off all analogue signals from midnight Sunday, March 31.

     

    The IBF board has stressed that such a move is necessary to smoothen the transition from analogue to digital cable TV. IBF members have been running regular awareness campaigns to educate consumers on the various benefits of digitization. Some of these benefits include better picture and sound quality, enhanced services such as high definition, video on demand content and eventually, higher quality content. In addition, digitization will also enable viewers to choose and pay for only those channels they want, rather than pick from packages with fixed prices. Digitization will also bring about greater transparency between broadcasters, cable operators and consumers.

     

    Man Jit Singh

    IBF President Man Jit Singh said, “IBF and its members are committed to the successful implementation of digitization in India. Our awareness campaign has received very good response. We are confident that the successful implementation of DAS-II will tremendously improve the quality of television content and consequent viewership in the country.”

     

  • Phase II of digitization is scheduled to take off on April 1. We ask stakeholders whether they expect it to happen on schedule

    MxM Mondays: Stakeholders’ view on Phase II

     

    By Ananya Saha

     

    The data from DTH operators and MSOs indicates that more than 87.7 lakh Set Top Boxes (STBs) have been installed in Phase II cities against the target of 1.60 crore, registering an achievement of over 55 percent digitization. Out of 87.7 lakh, DTH connections accounted for 40.7 lakh, whereas cable STBs accounted for 47.0 lakh. A release from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said that it has been constantly monitoring preparedness for the implementation of digital addressable cable TV system in the 38 cities of Phase II. We speak to a cross-section of stakeholders for their views (in alphabetical order of their last names):

     

    Phase II: 38 Cities that need to be digitized by March 31, 2013
     

    1. Bangalore

    2. Hyderabad

    3. Ahmedabad

    4. Pune

    5. Surat

    6. Kanpur

    7. Jaipur

    8. Lucknow

    9. Nagpur

    10. Patna

    11. Indore

    12. Bhopal

    13. Thane

    14. Ludhiana

    15. Agra

    16. Pimpri Chinchwad

    17. Nashik

    18. Vadodara

    19. Faridabad

    20. Ghaziabad

    21. Rajkot

    22. Meerut

    23. Kalyan-Dombivli

    24. Varanasi

    25. Amritsar

    26. Navi Mumbai

    27. Aurangabad

    28. Solapur

    29. Allahabad

    30. Jabalpur

    31. Srinagar

    32. Vizag

    33. Ranchi

    34. Howrah

    35. Chandigarh

    36. Coimbatore

    37. Mysore

    38. Jodhpur

     

    Anuj Gandhi, CEO, IndiaCast

    All stakeholders are playing their role efficiently. We are playing our role and getting the deals done. We are using the learnings of Phase I when it comes to the issue of carriage fees. None of the MSOs are complaining this time. In Phase I, we did not have a refence point and now we have the signed deals of Phase I. This time it is a lot easier.

     

     

    Joydip Kapadia, Executive Vice President, What’s On India Media

    It will happen but in a phased manner. My logic is based on the fact that MSOs who are present in the metros are also present in these 38 towns. MIB has an upper hand now, and industry is prepared that Phase II has to happen unlike the Phase I where in the Delhi and Mumbai people thought that deadline would be extended. The towns like Ludhiana, Chandigarh, Pune etc are almost on track to become digitized while towns like Nagpur might take more time.

     

    Ashok Mansukhani, President, MSO Alliance

    Digitization has become a habit, and that is definitely good news. The consumers want the STB, doesn’t matter if it belongs to MSO or DTH operator. Of course, the markets in Phase II cities are more price sensitive than the Phase I cities. One also needs to understand that in the 42 cities that will be digitized by the end of Phase I and Phase II, a lot of people live in the slum areas. Hence, new packages will have to be announced on three price points: 100-150 Rs, 200-250 Rs and 300-350 Rs. The packages need to be tolerable to broadcaster, consumer and MSOs.

     

    My only request would be let us not bother too much about the date; we have achieved a big task. I am sure that out of 38 cities, 25 cities will meet the deadline but switch off pay channels in the cities that do not meet the deadline if you want faster progress. MIB has taken stricter stock of progress this time around.

     

    We MSOs have taken loan of about Rs 500 crore; no matter what we cannot afford to let digitization fail. I foresee that in the coming months, prepaid will gain more prominence as mode of payment.

     

    P Mohan, President, Karnataka Cable TV Chamber of Commerce

    I do not agree with the figures. The digitized homes are close to 35-40 percent in Bangalore. The national MSOs are focusing on meeting the supply for Phase I, only then would they concentrate on Phase II. We have been asking for boxes for more than four months, and even if they offer us STBs now, installation takes time. How are we supposed to install, offer packages, explain the packages to each customer is so less time when the deadline is approaching fast?

     

    We are not against digitization. It was in 2002 that we had proposed DAS. Today, MSOs, broadcasters and DTH operators have formed one group. And LCOs are not even asked or consulted.

     

    Bangalore has many additional TV homes. And the homes which installed digital boxes 4-5 years ago are today asking for replacements. The quality of STBs and the technology they support is also a concern.

     

    Mukund Babaji Pednekar, Distributor, Hathway cable at Thakurli, Dombivli & Kopar

    Digitization is happening at a smooth pace in our area, and we are positive of meeting the deadline. We have no problems or concerns regarding digitization. The consumer is aware and knows how they will benefit with digitization. Yes, the prices of STBs was Rs 600 when we ordered it two months ago and now it has increased to Rs 999. But thankfully, we do not need boxes as of now.

     

    Man Jit Singh, President, IBF

    The consumers are aware, the communication is reaching them. As broadcaster, we are aware that there will be a short-term reduction in profitability but we are positive that going forward, thanks to digitization, the ratio of our revenues from advertisements and subscription will be 50:50. The stakeholders have worked together, and are facilitating dialogue all across. With transparent systems in place, the industry will only progress. The numbers are impressive, and hopefully we will meet the deadline.

     

    Uday Kumar Varma, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting

    We stand by our figures. The figures have been collated with industry feedback. We have not come across any negatives regarding meeting the deadline. Yes, some issues will obviously crop up but are sure to get resolved as well. Of course one issue leads to another: complete opaqueness, incomplete subscriber data etc will a little time to solve.

     

    My own understanding is that digital cable is a better platform than DTH as it can provide other services as well. In the long run, common sense suggests that digital cable will see a bigger comeback.

     

    Regarding the carrying capacity of STB, I am sure that domestic industry associations will step up to meet demands.

     

     

  • A recent review by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has shown that over 55% digitization target has been achieved in 38 cities, set for digitization by March 31 2013

    55% digitization target achieved in Phase II cities: MIB

    By A Correspondent

     

    As per the data received from the DTH operators and the MSOs, as on 22.02.2013, a total of 87.7 lakh Set Top Boxes (STBs) have already been installed in Phase II cities against the target of 1.60 crore, registering an achievement of 55 percent digitization. Out of a total of 87.7 lakh, DTH connections accounted for 40.7 lakh, whereas cable STBs accounted for 47.0 lakh.

     

    A release from the ministry said that it has been constantly monitoring preparedness for the implementation of digital addressable cable TV system in 38 cities of Phase II, where cable TV will undergo digital transition by 31.03.2013.

     

    The Ministry has set up a Task Force exclusively for Phase II cities to oversee and monitor the digitization process in Phase II. A public awareness Committee has also been constituted in the Ministry for spearheading awareness campaign in Phase II. As part of the awareness initiative, all television channels have started to run a scroll, informing consumers about the deadline for cable TV digitization. All India Radio has also started broadcasting of the radio jingles on its National and regional networks for creating public awareness. Several other initiatives like SMS campaign, video spots and print advertisements etc. are on the anvil. The State Governments/UTs have already nominated nodal officers in 38 cities of Phase II. Ministry had recently conducted a workshop for them. It has been planned to organize a second workshop shortly to take stock of preparedness in Phase II cities. A regional workshop was also held recently at Bangalore to sensitize local MSOs, Cable operators and other stake holders.

     

    The Ministry had set up a Control Room during Phase I, which has continued to function to address the queries of consumers, cable operators and others. The Control Room, which also has a toll-free number, has been receiving a number of calls from consumers of Phase II cities.

     

    In order to facilitate cable TV digitization in 38 cities of Phase II, the Ministry has already issued provisional registration to 30 Independent MSOs to operate in Phase II cities. This would enable these MSOs to operate in their respective cities to provide digital cable TV services.