Information and Broadcasting minister Ambika Soni today said digitalisation is being implemented in the cable TV sector in a phased manner. In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, Ms Soni said it has been decided to completely change over from analog services by December 2014. She said the digital switch over will entail capital investments by the industry to upgrade cable networks and supply of digital set-top-boxes (STB) to consumers.

The minister said the Direct to Home (DTH) sector has established the acceptability of digital broadcasting services among masses as it offers a wider choice of channels in digital quality to subscribers. Ms Soni said DTH services in the country have been growing at a rapid pace since its inception in 2003.

The minister informed the House that the number of registered pay DTH subscribers is over 46 million as on March 2012.