Cable operators can now register online via Broadcast Seva Portal

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has made certain amendments to the Cable Television Network Rules 1994, enabling local cable operators to register online. Thus, the Ministry has become the registering authority for LCO registration.

The Ministry said this move will streamline the LCO registration process and promote ease of doing business.

“Upon successful verification of applicant details, including Aadhaar, PAN, CIN, DIN etc.,LCO registration certificates will be issued in real-time. Also, a provision for appeal against the denial of registration or renewal for LCO registration has been added online,” the official statement added.

Earlier, the LCO Registration process was carried out at the local head post office of the area, where the office of the LCO is situated offline with the Head Postmaster as their registering authority. “The manual registration process was cumbersome and time-consuming. Also, the area of operations upon obtaining registration was limited to specific areas,” the official statement added.

LCOs can now apply for new registration or renewal of registration online on the Broadcast Seva Portal of the I&B Ministry. LCO registration will be granted or renewed for a period of five years. Also, the registration will be valid for operations throughout India. The operators will need to apply for renewal of registration at least 90 days before expiry.

“LCOs can make an appeal before the Appellate Authority i.e. Under Secretary (DAS) against the decision of the Registering Authority, i.e. designated Section Officer denying registration or renewal of registration within 30 days of such denial,” the statement explained.

Existing LCO registration shall remain valid for the period mentioned in the registration certificate. The applications made to the Post Offices for grant/ renewal of registration, which are pending as of date, would be required to be withdrawn, and applications have to be made on the portal.