The government has announced amendments to the Cable Television Network Rules, 1994, which will allow operators of multiple systems to register for 10 years and do the process online through the Broadcast Seva portal.
The revised MSO registration rules also allow cable operators to share infrastructure with broadband providers to promote last mile Internet penetration.
Besides moving the registration and renewal process of MSOs online through the Broadcast Seva portal of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the revised rules clarify that registration will be granted or renewed for 10 years.
As per the rule, a processing fee of Rs 100,000 will be kept for renewal of registration.

According to the rules, the application for renewal of the registration must be submitted within seven to two months before the end of the registration. "The new regime is in line with the government's commitment to ease of doing business as it provides a guarantee to cable operators of uninterrupted service and makes the sector attractive for foreign investment," the official statement said.
Further, the ministry announced that MSOs whose registration expires within seven months will have to apply online through the Broadcast Seva portal.

Previously, only new MSO registrations were granted under the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994.
The rules also did not specify the validity period of MSO registrations and did not recognize submission of online applications.
The inclusion of a provision for infrastructure sharing between cable operators and broadband providers has the dual benefit of increased Internet penetration and efficient use of resources. It also reduces the need for additional infrastructure for broadband services, the statement said.