Cable tv operators protest against SCV

The Cable TV operators in Tamil Nadu today held protests against the launch of Sun TV's DTH service at various places in the state, alleging that their livelihood would be affected by the decision.Members of Thamizhaga Cable TV Operators' Association (TCOA) in Chennai staged a demonstration in front of the offices of Sun TV and also its distribution arm Sumangali Cable Vision (SCV).They alleged the company, owned by Maran brothers, was indulging in a "false propaganda" as it offered a dish antenna and set-top box free of cost. The DTH would provide 75 TV channels and 15 FM radio stations for a subscription of Rs 75.

However, the advertisement said the company had the right to withdraw the announcement any time.Cable TV operators held protests at many parts of the state, including Madurai. Many operators calimed that the move would affect their livelihood.The protestors in Chennai burnt copies of print media advertisements of the DTH."The company is luring people into a trap by assuring these freebies, but actually all costs including installation would cost not less than Rs 2,000," association president P Shakilan told reporters.

Further, the monthly subscription of Rs 75 was a "false promise" and it would cost not less than Rs 250, Shakilan said while terming the launch as an "unethical trade practice". Sun TV will change the prices after a couple of months, he alleged."Other DTH providers like Tata Sky and Dish TV clearly mentioned their prices and this act by Sun Network is a counter to the proposed Arasu Cable TV corporation by the Tamil Nadu government," he said.Even as the members were protesting outside the SCV office at Kodambakkam in the city, SCV managing director and former IT Minister Dayanidhi Maran came out to hold talks with the operators and asked them to give their demands in writing. However, neither parties did oblige each others' request and subsequently Maran left the place in a jiffy, with the operators resuming slogan shouting against Sun TV. Maran declined to speak to reporters.

Charting their future course of action, Shakilan said that all channels of Sun Network, including those in Kannada, Telugu and Malayalam, will be blocked in all four southern states and Puducherry on Sunday and there will be a "mass state-wide fast" on Monday.Meanwhile a Coimbatore report said that cable TV operators in some parts of the city stopped telecast of channels for more than four hours, this afternoon, in protest against Sun TV's decision to launch DTH service.According Tamil Nadu cable TV operators association sources, this would seriously affect the livelihood of nearly two lakh operators across Tamil Nadu.Seeking its immediate withdrawal and also intervention of the state government, the operators in the city, along with their families, have decided to stage picketing near Red Cross building here on Sept 24, the sources said.Some operators, who had assembled in front of the office of Sumangali Cable Vision to stage a demonstration were removed from the spot this afternoon, police said.

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