Why Set Top Box?

Why Set Top Box?

SetTop Box 2013 | How to Set SET Top Box | Installing Set Top Box.

SET Top Box is a device that converts digital satellite signals to television sets. Installation of STB has been made mandator)'after passage of Digitalisation of Analog Cable System Ordinance, paving way for amendment to The Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act.

The Government has made STB mandatory with the main intent of plugging revenue leak. The Government gets entertainment duty on every cable television connection. However, in the existing analog system, the Government machinery has to depend upon reporting of numher of cable connections by local cable operator (LCO). Often. LCOs tend to undcr-rcport the number of connections to save money on paying entertainment duty to the Government. In many cases. LCOs had to oblige influential consumers/subscribers by offering them free connections. Under-reporting would make good this loss for LCOs. However, in any case, the Government lost entertainment duty.

With the television signals going digital. subscribers will not be able to watch ANY television channel without STB. In other words. STB will ensure that no cable television connection goes unreported. The Government will gain substantially from this. As per the estimates, the cable television business generates well over Rs 20.000 crore per annum from subscription fees paid by consumers. As per the guidelines of Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), the revenue thus generated should be shared in proportion 45:30:25 by broadcaster, multi-service operator (MSO) and LCO. Once all cable connections are reported with installation of STB. the Government revenue by way of entertainment duty collection, will go up significantly.