For set top boxes (STBs), subscribers will have to chose between two schemes to be compulsorily provided by the multi-system operators or cable operators as part of a standard tariff package.

There is one scheme with a monthly rental of Rs 30 per digital set top box plus a refundable deposit of Rs. 999 per box (refund will be made after deducting Rs.12.50 per month for use of the STB).

Under the second scheme, there will be a monthly rental of Rs 45 per digital set top box (Rs. 23 for analogue set top box) with a refundable deposit of Rs. 25 per box.

The refund will be made after deducting Rs.3 per month for use of the STB. Operators can offer alternative tariff packages in addition to the mandated standard tariff package.

There will be no separate charges for installation, activation or reactivation, smart card viewing card and repair and maintenance.

To ensure that consumers get the choice to select individual channels, TRAI said that all pay channels should be offered compulsorily on a-la-carte basis or individual basis, the TRAI said, adding that the price ceiling would be applicable on both existing and new pay channels.

Broadcasters are free to fix prices of individual pay channels within this ceiling, it said, adding that one month's notice to subscribers was required to be given before conversion of a free-to-air channel to pay channel or vice-versa.

The order relating to STBs will come into effect from October 15. TRAI said that these rates were based on detailed examination and analysis of the inputs received during the process of consultation over the last two months.

At present, CAS has been implemented only in Chennai, but with little success with much of the regional channel going FTA. With DTH as an alternative available to the consumers, it is to be seen how successful the attempt would be this time.

It may be recalled that earlier attempts to implement CAS in Delhi in 2003 had failed following opposition from the people who thought their bills will go up under the new system.