Non-compliance with digitisation norms could cost service providers heavy, including prosecution in some cases.
The Information and Broadcasting Ministry has said it would not hesitate to take action (under the Cable Act) against those service providers who fail to adhere to the extended timeline.
The deadline for the first phase of digitisation in the key metros has been extended by four months. If the cable operators or the multi-system operators do not transmit channels in an encrypted form through digital addressable system by the sunset date, the Government can revoke or suspend their registration.
Apart from cancellation of registration, their equipment could also be confiscated, it has said.
Strict enforcement
If prosecuted, the punishment could lead to an imprisonment term of up to two years or a fine of up to Rs 1,000, or both, for the first offence by the defaulting service providers. For every subsequent offence, the punishment could mean imprisonment of up to five years or a fine of up to Rs 5,000, or both, as per Section 16(I) of the Cable Act.
In an earlier statement, the Ministry had stressed that it would be monitoring the digitisation process closely over the next four months. It would also issue warning letters to “those going slow on their written commitments.” The Ministry also said it would take action, if necessary, on defaulting service providers.
The authorised officers who have been vested with the powers to implement digitisation include the district magistrate, sub-divisional magistrate and commissioner of police of the State Government. At the central level, the Joint Secretary (Broadcasting) is the nominated authorised officer. Nodal officers could issue notices to defaulting service providers.
Service providers, including multi-system operators, local cable operators and broadcasters can be fined up to Rs 1 lakh for violation of the directions of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India. In case of continuous contravention, the person can be fined as much as Rs 2 lakh for every day during which the default continues.
meenakshi.v@thehindu.co.in