State firm proposes model for cable control

Even as the DMK-sponsored Kalaignar TV prepares to launch on August 15, the state-run Electronics Corporation of Tamil Nadu

Even as the DMK-sponsored Kalaignar TV prepares to launch on August 15, the state-run Electronics Corporation of Tamil Nadu (ELCOT) has submitted a proposal to the Government for controlling cable television operations. The blueprint for ‘cable-voice-Internet’ operations, which promises to revolutionise villages and remove the “digital divide”, is expected to loosen the stranglehold of Sumangali Cable Vision (SCV), the cable arm of the Sun TV Group.

Sources in ELCOT told The Indian Express that the company had submitted a proposal with five models to provide telecom, Internet and cable services through fibre optics throughout the state. “The most workable model is to use the fibre optic network already in place across the state. The lines have been laid in all districts up to block levels. Once the proposal is sanctioned, the big task would be to provide last mile connectivity to all 17,000 revenue villages in the state,” said the source.

Recently Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, without elaborating, announced his Government’s decision to start its own cable TV operations. PMK leader Dr S Ramadoss, who had launched his Makkal TV about a year back, has been demanding that the Government take over cable TV operations. Former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa too had sought to pass a controversial legislation during her tenure last year. But the DMK Government reversed the decision as soon as it came to power.

Story continues below this ad

However, even after the nasty face-off with the Maran brothers, Karunanidhi seems reluctant to control the cable operations by means of a legislation which could well pit the Government against the powerful Sun TV Group in the legal arena.

The ELCOT model, meanwhile, proposes to extend the fibre optic lines from the block level offices to the various villages. By an open tender system, any telecom company, including BSNL, could be invited to do this. “After this, the Government can take over telecom, Internet and cable TV operations. The services can be run by local bodies and even self-help groups,” pointed out the official. He estimates that the entire project would cost the Government less than Rs 500 crore.

The distance from the blocks to villages would be about 10 to 20 km and would take about a year for the last-mile-connectivity to be completed. “The services and operations would be completely digitalised. Defaulters can be penalised by disabling the card or switching off the digital signals of the cable network system. Money collection can also be done online,” pointed out a source.

Even after the bitter family feud and the parting of ways between Karunanidhi and the Marans, the SCV continues to have a firm grip over cable TV operations in the state. “Cable operators are not sure whether a patch-up is still possible between Karunanidhi and the Maran family and are rather wary about switching loyalties,” said a senior official of a private television channel. But once Kalaignar TV is on air, a bitter channel war is on the cards.

SWAN by mid-August

Story continues below this ad

CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu State Wide Area Network (SWAN) is all set for take off in mid-August. Coming up in Perungudi, a Chennai suburb, at a cost of about Rs 10 crore, the Network Operating Centre and Data Centre, which would control e-governance in the state, could also serve as the nerve centre for the cable-voice-internet operations in districts and villages.