New Delhi – The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (I&B) has implemented a new rule stating that Multi System Operators (MSOs) and Local Cable Operators (LCOs) can lose their licence if they fail to provide data on digitalisation sought by the government.

The I&B ministry has commented that the new rule was framed as the MSOs and LCOs were not providing consistent information about installation of set-top boxes, an aspect crucial for its drive to digitalise the cable sector. With insertion of this new rule, it is now mandatory for MSOs and LCOs to provide information as and when it is sought for by the central government, state government, authorised officer or any agency of the central government.

The ministry has also said that the new rule will empower the central government to cancel or suspend the registration of cable operators or MSO if the information sought for by it is not provided by them.