I&B Ministry Prepares Digitalisation Roadmap

 In a major move to mainstream the digitalization roadmap, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has undertaken a series of reviews to assess the progress. In a High Level Review Meeting taken today it was confirmed that orders had already been placed by major service providers for about 8.79 million set top boxes that would take care of the projected need of 10 million boxes for the first phase of digitalisation for which the cut off date is 30th June 2012 in the four metros. From 1st July 2012, it would be obligatory for every cable operator to provide signals in digital addressable mode.

The above figures indicates that major service providers have taken cognizance of the notification issued by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting regarding the sun set date of conversion from analogue to digital services in the four metro cities. This would also dispel reports that adequate preparations were not in place that would lead to blackout of services. It also shows that the industry does not expect any postponement of the notified date as adequate preparations and plans are underway for implementation.

The digitalization would provide a bonanza for the consumers in terms of picture quality, availability of wide range of channels and freedom of choice for selection of channels as against poor picture quality, limited channels selection and forcible promotion of bouquets by some service providers at present.