TRAI releases guidelines for CAS, SMS testing and certification for broadcasting sector

“The release of the CAS and SMS testing procedures will bring “more transparency” in the entire value chain of the broadcasting sector”

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on Wednesday released guidelines for the testing and certification of the conditional access system (CAS) and the subscriber management system (SMS) for the broadcasting sector.

The 'Test Guide Document for CAS and SMS' was released in the presence of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Ministry secretary Apurva Chandra, Department of Telecom (DoT) secretary K. Rajaraman and TRAI chairman P.D. Vaghela at an event.

Addressing the event, I&B secretary Mr. Chandra said the release of the CAS and SMS testing procedures will bring "more transparency" in the entire value chain of the broadcasting sector.

"It has been a common refrain from the broadcasters that the CAS and SMS are bypassed by the MSOs and LCOs specially. And, that is why there are issue with regard to the reporting of the number of customers, diversions and piracy," he said.

"Hopefully, with this CAS and SMS test procedures now being notified, these things will be taken care of," he added.

Mr. Chandra noted that TRAI had notified a framework for technical compliance of conditional access system (CAS) and subscriber management system (SMS) for the broadcasting and cable sector in 2017.

The 'Test Guide Document', which provides clause by clause test schedules and procedures, will help in operationalising the framework, he added.