Government has Eased the Registration Criteria for Local Cable Operators

The government relaxed the laws governing cable television networks by allowing Local Cable Operators (LCOs) to register entirely online, with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting serving as the registering body. The amended Cable Television Network Rules-1994 went into effect on Friday, and the government announced that the Local Cable Operators registration certificate would be issued in real time following successful verification of applicant information, including Aadhaar, PAN, CIN, and DIN, among other documents.

Previously, the LCO registration process was completed offline at the local head post office of the area where the LCO's office is located, with the head postmaster serving as the registering authority.

According to the modified rules, LCOs must apply for new registration or renew their existing registration online using the Information and Broadcasting Ministry's Broadcast Seva Portal, and the registration certificate will be issued online.

LCO registrations will be given or renewed for a five-year period with a processing cost of Rs 5,000.

The LCO registration is valid for operations throughout India, and renewal applications must be submitted at least 90 days before the registration expires.

The LCOs can file an appeal with the Appellate Authority, i.e. the Under Secretary (DAS), within 30 days of the decision of the Registering Authority, i.e. the designated Section Officer, denying registration or renewal of registration, according to an official statement.

Existing LCO registrations will be valid for the duration specified in the registration certificate, it stated.

In circumstances where the LCO's current registration is valid for less than 90 days, any renewal applications must be submitted immediately through the site, according to the statement.

Applications for grant/renewal of registration that are currently pending at post offices must be withdrawn, and fresh applications must be submitted through the site.