NEW DELHI: It's official.
In a post CAS regime, the price of the basic tier of free to air channels will cost Rs 72. The ministry of information and broadcasting cleared the file today for the government to issue a notification on the same.
The final seal of approval on the matter ends days of uncertainty and lobbying by broadcasters and cable operators. The task force on the conditional access system (CAS) had recommnded Rs 71.33 as the basic tier of service price for the minimum of 30 channels. Many major cable operators have been upset, claiming the price of Rs 72 for the basic tier is too low and had contemplated legal action, while others are willing to give it a try as CAS is in the 'national interest'.
Watch this space for further developments on the issue.