On Thursday, Business Line reported that the cable industry may seek extension of the June 30 deadline for digitisation of network as it called for huge investments and not all multi system operators were geared up for that.

Reiterating that from July 1 it would be obligatory on every cable operator to provide signals in digital addressable mode, a press release from the Information & Broadcasting Ministry stated that in a high level review meeting that took place on Thursday it has been 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 June 30 in the four metros.

According to the release, the above figures indicate that major service providers have taken cognisance of the notification issued by the Ministry regarding the ‘sunset' date of conversion from analogue to digital services in the four metros.

“This would also dispel reports that adequate preparations were not put 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.”

>rravikumar@thehindu.co.in