|
Under the provisions of the Cable Regulation Act, 1995, Cable
Service Providers (CSP) shall continue to be freely permitted to
provide ‘last mile’ linkages and switched services within their
service areas of operation and operate media services, which are
essentially one-way, entertainment related services. Direct
interconnectivity between CSP’s and any other type of service
provider in their area of operation and sharing of infrastructure
with any other type of service provider shall be permitted.
Interconnectivity between service providers in different service
areas shall be reviewed in consultation with TRAI and the same would
be announced by August 15, 1999 as a part of the structure for
opening up national long distance. In view of convergence, it is
highly likely that two-way communication (including voice, data and
information services) through cable network would emerge in a
significant way in future. Offering of these services through the
cable network would tantamount to providing fixed services.
Accordingly, in case the above two-way communication services are to
be provided by CSPs utilising their network, they would also be
required to obtain an FSP licence and be bound by the licence
conditions of the FSPs, with a view to ensure level playing field.
|
