MARGAO
In the run up to the digitisation drive all set to take effect from January 1, South Goa Collector Dr Sachin Shinde has warned of strict action against any such Multiple System Operator (MSO) or a Local Cable Operator (LCO) unable to provide the requisite services viz the set-top box to consumers and those indulging in cartelisation.
“If the MSOs/ LCOs cannot provide services or indulge in cartelisation, then this will be viewed seriously and will take action against them,” Dr Shinde remarked at a meet held with the MSOs and LCOs at the South Goa Collectorate on Thursday.
Going hand-in-hand with this measure, the officials have also decided to publicise the list of all Multiple System Operators (MSOs) and Local Cable Operators (LCOs) with immediate effect. Dr Shinde said this would enable the consumer in the respective locality to get in touch with the concerned LCO for sourcing the set-top box to receive the broadcast signals.
The meet was held as analogous signals will cease from December 31 - the deadline set for digitisation to take effect from January 1.
The meet also deliberated upon the need for an awareness drive about the digitisation concept, especially focussing on the duties and responsibilities of the MSOs and LCOs.
A section of cable operators mentioned that 30% of the population in eight Municipal areas in the State are equipped with set-top boxes while it was projected that 50% of the subscribers will fail to receive the signals in the absence of such set-top boxes in the Municipal areas in the State.
It was explained that Phase 4 would involve the digitisation of the rural areas while consumer activists - Roland Martins of GOACAN - wanted to know the fate of the consumers who depend on analogous signals after December 31.
The meet was attended by many MSOs and LCOs in addition to consumer activists.
