Genuine DTH demands
TRAI’S consultation paper on issues relating to Directto-Home (DTH) TV illustrates why any policy relating to technology should not attempt to micro-manage the industry. Technical parameters specified minutely in such policies always run the risk of being challenged by newer innovations. This seems to be happening in the case of DTH. Tata Sky, a DTH service provider, has approached the information and broadcasting (I&B) ministry regarding modification of some conditions in the DTH licence agreement. Trai has put out a consultation paper on the issues. The paper seeks opinion essentially on three issues — whether licence conditions should be amended to exclude high-end digital video recorders (DVR), which DTH operators may wish to launch, whether guidelines relating to uplinking from India should be amended to exclude services meant to help consumers use the platform efficiently (read interactive features) and whether multiple dwelling unit technology (MDUT), which enables consumers in one building to share one big dish even while using separate set-top boxes (STBs) should be introduced.
Inter-operability is at the heart of the STB issue. Licence conditions specify that an STB should be inter-operable, i.e., consumers should be able to use the same STB even when they switch service providers. High-end DVRs will have some additional features that will not be inter-operable. Considering that value-added services and technology will be the key differentiator between different DTH service providers, licence conditions should provide enough flexibility. The principle of inter-operability should only extend to basic television viewing and simple broadband. Simultaneously, policy needs to encourage renting of STBs so that consumers can upgrade their boxes more easily. Also, consumers need to be informed that a particular STB provided by an operator cannot be used in case he switches operators. MDUT, for its part, is a cost-effective way to deliver service to closely located multiple subscribers. Policy should not stand in the way.
-- The Economic Times Editorial
Inter-operability is at the heart of the STB issue. Licence conditions specify that an STB should be inter-operable, i.e., consumers should be able to use the same STB even when they switch service providers. High-end DVRs will have some additional features that will not be inter-operable. Considering that value-added services and technology will be the key differentiator between different DTH service providers, licence conditions should provide enough flexibility. The principle of inter-operability should only extend to basic television viewing and simple broadband. Simultaneously, policy needs to encourage renting of STBs so that consumers can upgrade their boxes more easily. Also, consumers need to be informed that a particular STB provided by an operator cannot be used in case he switches operators. MDUT, for its part, is a cost-effective way to deliver service to closely located multiple subscribers. Policy should not stand in the way.
-- The Economic Times Editorial
posted by Loco at 11:30 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home