Boxes to be available from 1st August

Mumbai, July, 14, 2003: The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology's Electronics Regional Test Laboratory (ERTL) has successfully Quality tested the Digital Set Top Boxes from Technotrend of Germany, manufactured by Celetron, which will be marketed by IndusInd Media & Communications Ltd (INCableNet)., a Hinduja TMT company, under the INDigital Brand Name.

This is the first quality test approval for any Digital Set Top Box in India by an authorized Government Testing Agency. This particular Digital STB model (No: IRD C-282- NG ) of Technotrend has also been formally tested and approved by TUV of Germany, the premier testing and certifying authority of Europe.

Mr. KV Seshasayee, Chief Technology Officer Hinduja TMT Ltd, said "These are World Class tried and Quality tested Set top Digital Boxes, which will be given in Indian Homes, starting with Mumbai and Delhi from August 1st.These are widely deployed in Europe and elsewhere.?

INCableNet, COO, Rajiv Vyas said "Several consumer friendly schemes have been designed by INCableNet, which will be launched shortly and will be designed for direct sales, and rentals through cable operators, which will help any class of economic segment to easily go for CAS."

The implementation roll out plan for CAS is on full swing at INCableNet, however the Cable Operators and MSO's (Multi service operators) alongwith the consumers are still awaiting the final rate plans of the broadcasters, so that the concrete pricing packages for consumers can be announced, which will be able to dispel out lot of uncertainty surrounding CAS impact on customers.

Government's notification for Zone wise implementation has already put the ball rolling for CAS induction in the most consumer friendly way forward.