The Government is examining the Telecom Regulatory Authority
of India (TRAI) recommendations for a national action plan
for digitalization of cable television. TRAI in its recommendations
dated 14th September, 2005 had recommended that there should
be a national plan for digitalization from 1st April, 2006
till 31st March, 2010. Essential features of this plan are:
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i) Introduction of digital service in all cities/urban agglomerations
with a population of one million plus by 2010. In all these
cities the existing analogue service will continue simultaneously.
ii) Licensing for new entrants and automatic licensing for
existing operators.
iii) Rationalization of import and domestic duties by April
1, 2006.
iv) Use of Entertainment tax for a consumer education programme
during these four years (2006-10).
This information was given by Minister of Information &
Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri P.R. Dasmunsi
in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha.
