Registration for cable operators simplified

The Information & Broadcasting Ministry issued a notification on Friday (January 17, 2025), amending the Cable Television Network Rules to streamline the Local Cable Operator (LCO) registration process.

LCO registrations will now be conducted entirely online, with the Ministry itself as their registering authority. “Upon successful verification of applicant details, including Aadhaar, PAN, CIN, DIN, etc., LCO registration certificates will be issued in real-time. Additionally, a provision for appeal against the denial of registration or renewal for LCO registration has been added,” the Ministry said.

Previously, the registration process was conducted offline at the local head post office in the area where the LCO’s office was located, with the head postmaster acting as the registering authority. “The manual registration process was cumbersome and time-consuming. Furthermore, the area of operations upon obtaining registration was limited to specific regions,” it said.

The salient features of the amended Rules include that LCOs are now required to apply for new or renewed registrations online through the Broadcast Seva Portal of the Ministry. Registration certificates will be issued online. LCO registrations will be granted or renewed for a period of five years, with a processing fee of ₹5,000. The registration will be valid for operations throughout Indian territory.

Renewal applications must be submitted at least 90 days before the expiration of registration. LCOs can appeal to the Appellate Authority, i.e., the Under Secretary (Digital Addressable Systems), against the decision of the Registering Authority within 30 days of denial of registration of renewal. Existing LCO registrations will remain valid for the period specified in their registration certificates.

“In cases where the existing registration of the LCO is valid for less than 90 days, applications for renewal, if any, must be made immediately on the portal. Applications submitted to the post offices for grant or renewal of registration that are pending as of date must be withdrawn, and new applications should be made on the portal. If any assistance is required, please contact the helpline number available on the portal or send an email to lco.das[at]gov[dot]in,” the Ministry said.