TRAI seeks views on inter-operability of cable and DTH set-top boxes

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on Monday released a consultation paper to seek views on policy formulation with regard to inter-operability of cable and DTH set-top boxes (STBs).

Consumers need to link their TVs with the STBs of a cable or DTH operator to be able to watch TV channels. However, unlike other developed markets, the same STB cannot be interchangeably used for different service providers.

“The lack of interoperability of STBs between different service providers has not only compromised the competition in the pay-TV market but is a major hindrance to technological innovation, improvement in service quality, and sector growth,” the regulator stated on Monday.