Affordability was the main factor behind granting Digital Addressable System (DAS) licence to Tamil Nadu Arasu Cable TV Corporation Ltd (TACTV), Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Venkaiah Naidu has said.
The Centre granted the licence to Arasu Cable last month. The move surprised many as it goes against Telecom Regulatory Authority of India recommendations of entry of State governments in broadcasting or distribution of TV channels. The issue of DAS licence to Arasu Cable was a long-pending one and was pursued strongly by former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa.
“Affordability was the major factor granting the licence. Lot of customers would benefit from low cost of service,” Mr. Naidu told reporters at an event of All India Radio in Chennai.
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He also said there were concerns about conflict of interest, but hoped that the State government would be mindful of the issue amid competition.
Mr. Naidu, who is also Union Minister of Urban Development, Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation, said he would be holding a review meeting with Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami on Sunday.
To a question on whether presidential elections are on the agenda, Mr. Naidu said no.
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He also said the Information and Broadcasting Ministry is working to strengthen Radio and Doordarshan amid increasing competition.