NEW DELHI: All broadcasters, multi system operators (MSOs) and cable operators have been asked by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) to send details of the public awareness campaign being carried out by them about the third phase of digital addressable system (DAS) and the need for having a set top box (STB) in every television home.

The stakeholders have been asked by MIB Joint Secretary (Broadcasting) R Jaya to send this information within 15 days along with documentary proof.

Stressing that every TV home has to have an STB, she said it was essential that MSOs and cable operators carry only digital encrypted signals after 31 December this year.

At the outset, she said that since the cut-off date was very near, it was presumed that broadcasters, MSOs and LCOs had already done their bit.

Under Section 44 of the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act 1995 and the Rules framed there-under, the centre had notified phased implementation of DAS in the country by the cable operators.

Phases I and ll of cable digitisation had been completed and Phase lll of digitisation, which will cover all the remaining urban areas in the country was scheduled for completion by 31 December this year, while rural areas would be covered in phase lV to be completed by 31 December, 2016.

Jaya said that the public must be aware that they require a STB before the cutoff date and drew attention to the provision under Rule 12 of the Rules, which states, “Every Broadcaster, MSO and LCO shall create public awareness among, and provide information to, the subscribers in the notified areas from a period at least thirty days prior to the date such areas are notified either through advertisements in the print and electronic media or through such other means including leaflets, printing on the reverse of website, the receipts, personal visits, group meetings with subscribers or consumer groups. This should contain the salient features of DAS.”