Direct To Home(DTH) Industry posing a threat to Cable Operators

Cable operators appeal to CM for recognition as industry.

Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh Grameena MSO Cable Operators Association founder-president P Suresh on Wednesday appealed to Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu to recognise the cable television network as an industry as it was providing employment to more than 50,000 people across the State.

Speaking at a meeting of cable TV operators of 10 districts at the Press Club here, Suresh said that the operators were facing stiff competition from DTH networks run by corporates. If the situation continued for some more time, they would be forced to wind up their cable TV networks. Hence, the cable TV network should be recognised as an industry to safeguard the interests of thousands of village youths who were dependent on it for their livelihood. He recalled TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu promising incentives to the cable TV operators during his ‘Vastunna Meekosam’ Yatra, if his party comes to power in the State. He urged the Chief Minister to fulfil his promise.

He also underlined the need for setting up of Cable TV Network Welfare Board for the benefit of operators and employees.

Later, the association new State Committee was elected. The committee members included A Venkata Rao (East Godavari), MVLNS Sarma (West Godavari), A Yugandhar (Srikakulam), G Srinivasa Rao (Nellore), P Siva Chandra Reddy (Anantapur), T Srinivasa Rao (Prakasam), P Srinivasa Rao (Krishna) and NM Hari Babu (Guntur).