CAS(e) of problems?

It's time for the implementation of the second phase of the conditional access system or CAS. The TRAI has begun asking for co-operation from cable operators and Multiple System Operators (MSOs) in Ghaziabad and Thane, but CAS continues to give hiccups, reports CNBC-TV18.

 

 

It's been three months since the conditional access system was implemented in the notified areas of Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata. But consumers here are complaining of not getting selected channels, slow service from cable operators and poor picture quality. 

 

 

"Whenever we contact them they give us excuses. We never get the channel that we want. The earlier system was much better. However cable operators believe that these are initial hiccups and will get sorted out in due course of time," says a harried customer.

 

 

Cable operators across selected cities are now gearing up for the implementation of the next phase of CAS. But each of them has a different opinion on the time frame within which this has to complete.

 

"Its good for both consumers and operators that competition has entered in the CAS area" says Roop Sharma, Cable Operator

 

The ministry of information and broadcasting has so far set no time limit for the implementation of CAS' second phase. Though the TRAI has begun asking for inputs from MSOs and cable operators. Some operators have agreed to implement CAS within one month but many feel they would require 5 to 6 months to implement it. Though most operators agree that the notification process should be done together across all the areas. TRAI had held a meeting with the cable operators and MSOs  last Thursday and would be talking to broadcasters and consumers as well.