TRAI mandates encryption of private TV channels on DD FreeDish

Notifying the regulatory framework for broadcasting and cable services, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has asked Prasar Bharati to encrypt signals of private TV channels on DD FreeDish before uplinking them to prevent unauthorised transmission.

The regulator says Prasar Bharati must take steps to convert the DD Free Dish platform from a non-addressable system to an addressable one, beginning by encrypting the signals of private satellite television channels at the DD Free Dish headend before uplinking. Subsequently, all other channels of DD Free Dish may also be transmitted in encrypted form, it added.

The other recommendations for upgradation of DD Free Dish platform to an addressable system include:

1. Prasar Bharati may utilize indigenous technologies for Conditional Access System (CAS), Subscriber Management System (SMS) and interoperable Set Top Boxes (STBs).
2. Prasar Bharati should adopt interoperable STBs for DD Free Dish to act as catalyst for transitioning the entire ecosystem from operator-based STBs to interoperable STBs to empower consumers’ choice. This will eliminate the need for changing STBs every time the service provider is changed.
3. A roadmap for transition of DD Free Dish from non-addressable to addressable platform along with authorizing manufacturers and distributors by Prasar Bharati for sales and aftersales service of STBs, has been suggested to MIB.
4. MIB may direct private DPOs to adopt and implement interoperable STBs.

BCS Bureau