MUMBAI: Is another state joining the ranks of those who have asked for - and have been given - time to be able to implement digitisation in Digital Addressable System (DAS) Phase III areas? If initial indications are to be believed, the answer is yes. According to our sources, the Odhisa High Court has directed the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) to act on the representation given by Last Mile Owner (LMO) Ortel Communications.  
 

The LMO had presented various teething issues relating to digitisation, which were leading to delays in meeting the deadline date in Phase III areas, to the MIB. But the ministry, apparently ignored Ortel's representations. Following which the company approached the Odhisa High Court. 

"We are totally in favor of digitisation and are always ready to support it in every possible way. Our petition is not against DAS; our concern is the unavailability of various important aspects, which is proving to be a handicap for us," asserts a senior company official.

Shortage of set top boxes (STBs) was the main concern in the submitted representation, which also had consumer resistance and capital crisis in it, among others. 

"The court recognised the STB drought and has directed the MIB to address the issue in two months' time. Meanwhile, the court has also directed that no action should to be taken against Ortel before the representation is addressed," a source present in the court tells Indiantelevision.com.

"This direction of the court is for Ortel communications and its operations, and not an overall Odhisa statement," clarified the source in the court.
 

But given the strong hold Ortel has over Odhisa as the main provider of cable TV there, it probably means an extension of the digitisation deadline in the state, say industry sources. 
 

Also read: DAS Phase III stayed in 5 states including Maharashtra