Swati Pujari gives the lowdown on what it will take to keep your televisions beaming

Conditional Access System (CAS) will be in operation from January 1, 2007. It is a digital mode of transmitting television channels through a Set Top Box (STB). What will it cost the consumer? 

  • Rs 5 per channel (Rs100 for 20 channels) 
  • Rs77 for free-to-air 60 channels 
  • Rs45 as entertainment tax 
  • Rs22 as service tax 
  • Rs999 as rent for set-top-box (five years) 
  • Rs2,000 for STB (ownership)

Areas applicable
South Mumbai up to Mahim

Deadline
Areas of South Mumbai will get only free- to- air channels. The deadline will come into effect midnight of December 31, 2006

Other options
Tata-Sky offers 58 channels at an introductory offer of Rs300 per month. Consumers have to pay Rs3,999 for hardware (set-top box and installation), and a monthly charge of Rs200.

Dish TV offers its hardware and installation at Rs3,000 (excluding taxes) and three months’ free subscription. Package of 75 channels costs Rs180 per month.