“The measure aims at regulating cable operators and digitalising the analog TV network across the country in a phased manner by December 31, 2014,” said Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni . She claimed that the legislation would end the fight for TRPs among channels to attract more advertisements.
The bill gives the government the right to cancel licences of cable operators who flout rules.
Opposition members supported the legislation and criticised content of various broadcasters as "provocative and vulgar" programs.
Addressing concerns about cost of set-top boxes, she said efforts are on to make these available at an affordable price of Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,200.
Soni said, her ministry was in talk with an association of manufacturers of set-top boxes to produce them indigenously.
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