MUMBAI: Broadband is the way forward for multi system operators (MSOs) who are looking at improving their average revenue per user (ARPU). Understanding the pain areas of the operators who are looking at expanding their broadband base, the newly formed MSO association- All India Digital Cable Federation (AIDCF), recently met the Information and Broadcasting Ministry (I&B) on the issue of 8 per cent AGR being charged on MSOs offering broadband services.

During the meeting a five point recommendation was submitted to the Ministry, which later will be submitted to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). The recommendation reads:

1)      Remove the 8 per cent AGR applicable for MSOs who are offering broadband services.

2)      It has requested the Government to support MSOs for right of way and protection of infrastructure laid on ground. MSOs offering broadband services feel that the pole charges levied by some states are huge. Also, to set up the broadband service, expensive equipment needs to be installed on streets and poles. According to AIDCF, as of now, there are no rules per se, to protect the equipment which costs anywhere between Rs 7000 to Rs 10,000. The association, through the recommendation, is asking the Government to protect the expensive equipment, so that the MSOs can start installing the infrastructure.

3)      The association has asked the Government to rationalise import duties on network equipment. While the Government has plans for ‘Digital India’ and ‘Make in India’, there are still certain infrastructure related products which are not being manufactured in the country, and hence have to be imported. The association has thus asked the Government to rationalise the import duties being charged on these goods, until someone from the country starts manufacturing them.

4)      It has requested the Government, like in the case of Telecom, to provide infrastructure status to the cable broadband network. With the infrastructure status, MSOs will become eligible for easy bank financing, in addition to overseas fund raising to expand their broadband base.

5)      Allow use of Universal Service Obligation (USO) fund for wireline network rollout in the country.