TRAI warns of cracking whip against MSOs on digitisation

Upset with multi-system operators (MSOs) for not having put in place subscriber management systems (SMS) despite completion of the first phase of digitisation, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has warned of cracking the whip.

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TRAI secretary Rajiv Agrawal on Monday said that for digitisation in metros, the authority had put in place a detailed regulatory framework which included regulations for interconnection, quality of service, redressal of consumer complaints and tariff order.

"Even though the settop boxes (STBs) have been seeded in these cities, the subscriber management system has not been effectively implemented. The SMS is to have complete details of the subscriber, including the choice of channels. Unless this is done, the full benefit of digitisation cannot be extended to the subscribers," Agrawal said.

He added that at a meeting held on March 22 2013,TRAI had reviewed the status of first phase of digitisation. "It was observed that majority of the MSOs and LCOs have failed to comply with the said direction and therefore have violated the directions of the authority," Agrawal said.

"The authority has taken a very dim view of the matter and has observed that such inaction on the part of MSOs/LCOs are unacceptable. This continued inaction leaves the authority with little alternative other than proceeding legally against the non-compliant MSOs, LCOs as per the TRAI Act," he said.

Agrawal said while the date of implementation of the first phase of digitisation was October 31 2012, the authority had been trying to persuade MSOs to fulfill the requirements.