The Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Amendment Act 2011 has made it mandatory for switch over from existing Analogue Cable Television Network to Digital Addressable System by December 2014 in the entire country in 4 phases. In the first phase, 4 metro cities of Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai are to be covered by the end of next month. An official release referring to the senior officials has clarified that the deadline of 31st October 2012 will not be extended any further and that the task would be completed with the active cooperation of all stakeholders within the time frame.
The ministry has also launched a publicity campaign in Electronic and Print Media to make people aware about the programme at their door steps. A Print Advertisement Campaign was launched recently informing people about the urgency to get Set Top Boxes as well as benefits of Digitization. Three Radio spots prepared by the Ministry are also on All India Radio’s various channels.