PEMRA has now done all sort of arrangements to ensure digitization of Cable TV in Pakistan. The authority has reached on consensus with the Cable Operators Associations of Pakistan (COAP) for provision of measures to facilitate the process. The whole phase of digitization of cable TV is to be done by September 2016 across the country. It will cost around Rs. 90 billion to upgrade cable TV networks.

Cable TV system in major cities of Pakistan will be switched from analogue system to digital till end of May. The remaining cities will be upgraded to digitized cable networks by the end of September 2016. PEMRA has eliminated one year fees to support cable operators. Moreover, it is now providing a ten year license for cable operators whom digitize instead of the standard five year license. Following are the cities that will get digital cable TV system within this year:

• Karachi
• Lahore
• Islamabad
• Rawalpindi
• Peshawar
• Multan
• Hyderabad
• Quetta
• Sukkur
• Faisalabad
• Hassan Abdal
• Gujranwala

The representatives of COAP has also requested PEMRA to declare cable operators as an industry and to provide tax holiday on import of material required for digitization.

The digital cable TV will enable consumers to enjoy HD channels on their TVs. However, you will be required to have an additional set-top box that will cost around Rs. 5,000.

That’s a great news! It will surely further develop the electronic media industry in Pakistan.