India fast-tracks digital TV plan
October 13, 2011
By Chris Forrester
India’s government has approved a fast-track adoption of digital TV. “The cabinet agreed to send the proposal for an ordinance of the ministry to the Rashtrapati (President) for consideration and approval,” Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Sonia told reporters following a cabinet meeting.
Next step is to amend the current regulations governing cable TV distribution in the country. DTH broadcasting is already digital.
India’s 4 major conurbations will be covered in the initial move including Mumbai and Calcutta, and these major cities must be converted by March 31st next year. Smaller cities with populations over 1m will have to convert to digital by March 31st 2013, and the entire country converted by the end of 2014.