Wednesday, Oct 01, 2003
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Tamil Nadu-Chennai
By K. Manikandan
The Ashok Nagar Police confirmed that a complaint had been filed by operators on behalf of the MSO, alleging that they were affected by sabotage. A representation was handed over to K.P.Shanmuga Rajeswaran, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Ashok Nagar) by the Sri Sairam Satellite Vision alleging that their cable lines were "punched" by persons who were based at Eekaduthangal. The representation also stated that their overhead Optic Fibre Cable was punched at seven different places on Bazullah Street, T.Nagar. As Bazullah Street came under the jurisdiction of the Pondy Bazaar (R4) police station of T.Nagar district, the complaint was forwarded to the R4 police station. The complaints of sabotage have intensified after the introduction of Conditional Access System (CAS) for pay channels in the metro. The personnel of the telephone at the offices of Sumangali Cable Vision (SCV), another Multi-System Operator did not comment when asked whether their service was also hit. Senior executives of the MSO were not available for comment. An operator at Kodambakkam, V.Gurumoorthy, said his service, from Hathway had been affected after he distributed notices offering the Free To Air (FTA) bouquet, at Rs.50 per month. The service was expected to be restored by Wednesday. Technicians said that damage to cable is difficult and more expensive to repair, than the coaxial cable. The cable operators have been demanding that the Police step in to create professional competition in the sector, by prosecuting those responsible for the sabotage. Consumer organisations have sought a choice in the selection of service provider in all areas, as the two MSOs have special offerings for some viewers. In the case of Hathway, some of the foreign language channels like RAI International and Deutsch Welle appeal to students, while SCV has its own unique entertainment channels including the popular KTV. Despite the amendments to the Cable TV regulation legislation and introduction of CAS, the question of competition at the operator level remains unanswered. Subscribers have also not been complaining to the Police, as stipulated by the amendments, on issues like unlawful demand for money, failure to issue receipts for connection charges, deposits and monthly charges, consumer activists point out. The State Government has not responded to widespread complaints that the operators have resorted to arbitrary tax rates for cable TV service.
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