DTH gives access to multiple channels directly at home using a small antenna and a set-top box. This will take away business from cable TV operators. With DTH satellite TV, companies will be using Ku-band (higher frequency ranging between 11.7-14.55 gigahertz) instead of the C-band (lower frequency ranging between 3.4-6.65 Ghz). The opening will help satellite channels reach far-flung areas where cable operators have no presence and improve quality due to increased competition among channels.
The government may make it mandatory for broadcasters to uplink from India and insist on scrutiny of these facilities by security agencies. DTH may come under the proposed Communications Commission of India (CCI) which has already evoked protest from many sectors. Though the government says the CCI will prevent unethical practices, obscene material and prevent monopoly, there are not many takers for the official version.
The foreign equity participation may be restricted to 49 percent and DTH service providers may be given a year to set up uplinking base in India from the time of start of operations. The country is to get an "open" box system. This allows subscribers to switch over to another DTH service in case more than one service provider is allowed to operate in the country. Here the decoder box will be capable of receiving and decoding any DTH service, unlike the "closed" system where separate DTH service decoder boxes will be needed. The major companies to enter the business soon will be Star TV, Zee Telefilms and Malaysia-based Measat.
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