I&B ministry Finalises date for digitisation

April 18, 2011

Source: MM Network

By: Nitesh Sharma

After contemplating the revised time frame recommendations by TRAI dated 22 Feb 2011, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, has finalised the deadline for the digitalisation in four phases.

This time there is no place to escape because the government is very serious regarding digitalisation, as this will create an environment of growth in the industry inducing investors in Cable TV Networks.

I&B ministry has segmented the deadlines in four phases:

Phase - 1

Area Suggested by TRAI - Four Metros of Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai

Time frame initially recommended by Trai (5.08.10) - 31 Mar 2011

Time frame proposed by the Ministry (28.01.11) - 31 Mar 2012

Revised time frame by Trai (22.02.11) - 31 Dec 2011

Ministry's final views - 31 Mar 2012

Phase - 2

Area Suggested by TRAI - Cities with a population more than one million

Time frame initially recommended by TRAI (5.08.10) - 31 Dec 2011

Time frame proposed by the Ministry (28.01.11) - 31 Mar 2013

Revised time frame by TRAI (22.02.11) - 31 Dec 2012

Ministry's final views - - 31 March 2013

Phase - 3

Area Suggested by TRAI - All urban areas (Municipal Corp./ Municipalities)

Time frame initially recommended by TRAI (5.08.10) - 31 Dec 2012

Time frame proposed by the Ministry (28.01.11) - 30 Nov 2014

Revised time frame by TRAI (22.02.11) - 31 Dec 2013

Ministry's final views - 30 Sep 2014

Phase - 4

Area Suggested by TRAI - Rest of India

Time frame initially recommended by TRAI (5.08.10) - 31 Dec 2013

Time frame proposed by the Ministry (28.01.11) - 31 Mar 2015

Revised time frame by TRAI (22.02.11) - 31 Dec 2013

Ministry's final views - 31 Dec 2014