Digitisation phase 2: ‘Over 55 per cent target achieved’

A recent review by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B Ministry) has shown that over 55 per cent of digitisation has been achieved in 38 cities. The deadline set to achieve digitisation in 38 cities is 31 March 2013.

As per the data received from the DTH operators and the MSOs as on 22 February 2013, a total of 87.7 lakhs Set Top Boxes(STBs) have been installed in the 38 phase 2 cities against the target of 1.6 crore, an achievement of 55 per cent. Of these, DTH connections accounted for 40.7 lakh, whereas cable STBs accounted for 47 lakh.

The Ministry has set up a task force for phase 2 cities to oversee and monitor the digitisation process. A public awareness committee has also been constituted to create awareness. As part of the awareness initiative, all television channels have started to run a scroll informing consumers about the deadline for cable TV digitisation. All India Radio has also started broadcasting of the radio jingles on its national and regional networks for creating public awareness, said the statement released by the ministry. An SMS campaign, video spots and print advertisements are part of the awareness drive.