MUMBAI: Cable TV Operators Associations of South India have come together and formed the South Indian Federation of Cable TV Operators Association (Sifcoa).

 
The associations who have come together are - Tamizhaka Cable TV Operators General Welfare Association (TCOA), Karnataka Cable TV Chamber of Commerce, Pondicherry State Cable TV Owners Association, Andhra Pradesh Cable TV Operators Association and Cable TV Operators Association of Kerala (COA). One of the aims is to get all the trade protection and concessions for the industry from the central and state governments. In addition Sifcoa also wants representation in the Telecom Regulatory Authority Of India and other governing bodies regarding the cable industry

The organisation has also set itself the job of protecting the cable operators from unreasonable and sudden price hikes of pay channels and the MSO's. It also wants to control the unhealthy competition that has been created by the pay channels and MSO's. The organisation is also hoping to achieve uniformity in the rate of pay channels across the country. It wants the central government to recognise cable TV as a small scale industry (SSI) so that it can avail of all the benefits given to SSI units.

It also wants to bring to the government's notice the fact that in the interest of the viewer the government should avoid imposing service tax, entertainment tax on cable television. This will in turn curtail the price hike. Sifcoa will have its first meeting next month in Chennai.

Meanwhile the fourth state conference of the Cable TV Operators Association of Kerala, at Ernakulam Town hall took place a few days ago. MP Dr. Sebastian Paul said that the easy access to technology prevented the dominance by anybody in the media world. He noted that the methods for local editions and niche transmissions are on the upswing. This causes broadcasting to be narrow casting Paul continued. He lamented the fact that the local cable TV operators of Kerala were a neglected lot and stressed that the association must take steps to obtain their rights from the governing bodies.

The function was presided over by Asianet 's managing editor KP Mohanan. The event was followed by the Mega Cable Fest 2004 a day tater. One of the highlights was a grand cultural procession. Nearly 4000 people from all the 14 districts of Kerala took part in the procession.

Cable operators from each district brought with them the unique cultural troupe from their hometown.