NEW DELHI: Local operators in Chennai have admitted that only 2.5 per cent set-top boxes have been seeded in the southern metropolis.

The Thamizhaga Cable TV Operators General Welfare Association (TCOA) said the poor could not invest huge amounts of money in purchasing STBs and these should be subsidized for those below the poverty line. To start with, the holders of Antyodaya Anna Yojana Scheme ration cards should get these subsidies.

Digitisation would also deprive the poor from viewing TV, since the subscription charges are being multiplied. Hence the government should subsidise 50 per cent on subscription charges to the poor homes.