Advisory on Local Cable Operators (LCOs) – reg.- Registration/Renewal of Cable Licence at Head Post Office

No. 27-37/2015-PO
Government of India
भारत सरकार
Department of Posts
डाक विभाग

Dak Bhawan, New Delhi.
Dated:25.01.2024

Subject:Advisory on Local Cable Operators (LCOs) – reg.

The undersigned is directed to circulate herewith the Advisory on Local Cable Operators issued by Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (No. N-45011/1/2023-DAS(I) dated 19.01.2024) for information and necessary action by the Registering Authority for the LCOS i.e. the Head Post masters of the Head Post Offices.

(Gokul C.V.)
Asst. Director General (PO)

To,
The Heads of all Circles.

No. N-45011/1/2023-DAS (Part-1)
Government of India
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting

Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi-110001
Dated: 19 January, 2024

ADVISORY

It has come to the notice of this Ministry that Local Cable Operators (LCOs) are offering cable services without valid registration and in many cases after the expiration of their registration period. Associations of Cable Operators have brought to the notice to this Ministry challenges faced by operators during the registration and renewal process, citing difficulties arising from the request for additional documents, beyond those outlined in the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 and the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994.2. Section 3 of the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 mandates that individuals can only operate a cable television network if they have obtained registration as a cable operator under this Act. Local Cable Operators (LCOs) receive their registration in accordance with Section 4 of the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995, and Rule 5 of the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994.3. Further, the Head Post master of a Head Post Office of the area within whose territorial jurisdiction the office of the cable operator is situated, has been notified as the Registering Authority, vide S.O. 718(E), dated 29th September, 1994 and also in the Rule 2(e)(i) of the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994.4. In view of the above, LCOs are advised to adhere to the regulations and have valid registration at the time of Interconnection Agreements with Multi-System Operators (MSOs). Furthermore, any Local Cable Operator found to be operating without a valid postal registration shall be subject to appropriate action in accordance with existing regulations. MSOS are also advised to enter into Interconnection Agreements with only those LCOs who have valid registration.5. Further, Head Post masters of the Head Post Offices i.c. Registering Authority for the LCOs, are also advised to seek only those information and documents as required under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 and the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994 at the time of registration or renewal.

(Subhash Kumar)
Deputy Secretary to the Govt. of India

To,All Cable Operators
Copy to:(i) Department of Post, for further circulation to the Head Post Masters