Interoperability of TV set-top-box by year-end: TRAI

TRAI Friday said it is working on introducing interoperability of TV Set-Top-Box (STB) and expects to achieve it by the end of this year.

The broadcast regulator said it conducted a workshop to discuss 'downloadable' Conditional Access System (CAS) based solution' to implement STB interoperability.

In the interoperable STB, if any television viewers want to change their cable operator or DTH operator, they need not change their STB instead just change the SIM card of their company just like mobile phones, the TRAI said in the statement.

Currently, if a television viewer wanted to change their cable operators or DTH operator, he has to buy new STB. With this, STBs of old service providers remain unused.

Once interoperability of STB announced, it would help to consumers who need not spend money to buy new STB.

Citing its new framework for broadcasting and cable services that allow consumers to pay only for channels they wish to see, the regulator said that choice also entails the freedom to avail better service offerings in the market.

Authority said it is working with system integrators, vendors, CAS providers and other stakeholders for technical discussions on introducing the new system.

"Based on the experience of Mobile Number Portability, it is certain that interoperability will promote competition and will be a win-win for all stakeholders on medium to long term basis," TRAI statement added.