New Delhi, Feb 24 (IANS) The telecom watchdog Tuesday introduced regulations that seek to improve the quality of service provided by cable TV operators in areas where set-top boxes are not mandatory. The regulations will come into effect April 1.
“These regulations will empower the consumers for receiving quality service from the cable TV service providers in non-CAS (conditional access system) areas,” the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) said in a statement. Set-top boxes are not mandatory in non-CAS areas.

TRAI has also mandated that cable service providers maintain a helpdesk for redressal of complaints from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Moreover, the procedure for connection, disconnection and reconnection of cable services is required to be completed within seven days.

Cable operators should observe compulsory technical standards, apart from maintaining six-hour power backup, the telecom watchdog said.

In addition, the consumers can approach the District Consumer Forum if the cable operators do not meet the service quality standards.

These regulations aim to help more than 80 million consumers receiving cable television services in non-CAS areas, being served by about 60,000 cable operators.