Set-Top Box Interoperability by Trai in Jeopardy as DTH Operators Oppose the Move

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) is making a lot of changes in the broadcasting sector to bring transparency similar to the telecom sector. The first major change made by Trai was the National Tariff Order 1.0 which become effective last year and it will be replaced by National Tariff Order 2.0 this year. The second big thing in the pipeline is the Set-Top Box interoperability. As the name itself suggests, the service if becomes official will allow users to change DTH or Cable TV operator without the requirement of changing Set-Top Box. This is one of the most anticipated projects from Trai, but it now has a roadblock ahead. DTH operators are opposing the introduction of Set-Top Box interoperability on the basis of various factors like cost, security, compression technologies used and so on.

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DTH Operators Say Interoperable STBs May Have Several Flaws

Tata Sky, which is currently providing the cheapest Set-Top Boxes in the industry, wrote to Trai that the interoperable STBs would fall behind in the security aspect. For example, DTH operators, along with the STB manufacturers, are able to offer security solutions like HDCP, water-marking and so on. For example, if Trai implements the interoperability functionality, STB manufacturers may not be able to add these security solutions. On the other hand, Dish TV says that the cost of the STBs may not be the same. Right now, the cheapest HD Set-Top Box in the industry is priced at Rs 1,399 by Tata Sky, but if interoperable STBs come into effect, the prices will rise.