The PEMRA ‘Standards for Cable
Television’ Regulations, 2003
(PEMRA)
The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA)
is pleased to make the ‘Standards for the Cable Television’ Regulations 2003
under Rule 30 of the PEMRA Rules 2002.
PART 1
1. Short Title Commencement and
Jurisdiction:- (1) These Regulations may be called PEMRA ‘Standards for
Cable Television’ Regulations 2003.
(2) They shall extend to the whole Pakistan
(3) They shall come into force at once.
2. Definitions:- (1) Unless
the context otherwise requires word and phrases used but not defined in these
Regulations shall have the meaning respectively assigned to them in the PEMRA
Ordinance 2002, and Rules and Regulations made thereunder:
(2) “Cable Television Operator” means a cable television
licensee who provides service through a cable television system or otherwise
controls or is responsible for the management and operation of a cable
television system.
(3) “Channel” means a portion of electro-magnetic frequency
band which is used in a cable system and which is capable of delivering at a
minimum a standard broadcast television service whether in an analogue or
digital format.
(4) “Defined area” means the area specified in the licence
issued to the Cable Operator.
(5) “Distribution cable” means the wired medium used by
Cable Television Operators to distribute television signals to the subscribers.
(6) “Eligible channels” means the television channels
allowed for transmission/distribution by the Authority.
(7) “Force Majeure” means an event that is not reasonable
foreseeable by the Cable Television Operator and is beyond the reasonable
control of the Cable Operator.
(8) “Main distribution system” means the distribution cable
connecting the head-end and the subscriber’s tap.
(9) “Prescribed monthly cable television charges” means the
charges as prescribed by the Authority in schedule of charges annexed to the
PEMRA Rules 2002.
(10) “Subscriber drop” means the distribution cable from the
subscriber tap to the subscriber television set.
(11) “Subscriber tap” means the point in the main
distribution system from where the subscriber drop is fed.
PART 2
Technical Standards
- Distribution Cable
Specification.- (1) A Cable Television Operator
shall adopt the following distribution cable specifications for the main
distribution system:---
|
Number of subscribers terminal
connected to the distribution cable
|
Grade of distribution cable
|
|
Upto
and including 5000
|
RG-11
/ ½ inch TFC
|
|
Above
5000
|
½
inch TFC / Fibre Optics
|
(2) A Cable Television Operator shall ensure that the
subscriber drop is clamped properly to walls, poles, as the case may be etc.
and shall not cause nuisance to the subscriber, public and environment.
(3) A Cable Television Operator shall adopt the following
distribution cable specification for the subscriber drop:---
|
Number of subscribers on the drop
|
Length of the subscriber’s drop
without using an amplifier in the drop*
|
Grade of distribution cable
|
|
1
|
Upto
30 meters
|
RG-6
|
|
2
to 4
|
Upto
30 meters
|
RG-7
|
|
1
to 4
|
30
to 100 meters
|
RG-11
|
|
5
and more
|
Upto
100 meters
|
RG-11
|
* In all other conditions an amplifier shall be used in the
subscriber’s drop.
4. Frequency Band
(1) A Cable Television Operator shall use PAL B/G television
system on its cable system. The following frequency bands shall be used:---
|
Standard Band
|
Standard Channel Identification
|
Frequency (MHz.)**
|
|
VHF
(Low)
|
E2-E4
|
48
- 68
|
|
VHF
(Low)
|
X,
Y, Z
|
69
- 88
|
|
VHF
(Mid)
|
S1-S10
|
108
– 174
|
|
VHF
(High)
|
Upto
100 meters
|
175
– 230
|
|
VHF
(Super)
|
S11-S20
|
231
– 300
|
|
VHF
(Hyper)
|
S21-S41
|
303
- 469
|
|
VHF
(Ultra High)
|
E21-E69
|
471
- 861
|
** The audio centre frequency of the audio carrier must be
4.5 to 5.5 MHz. above the frequency of the visual carrier at the output of the
modulating or processing equipment of a cable system and at the subscriber end
of the subscriber’s drop.
5. Quality of Service
(1) A Cable Television Operator shall ensure that the signal
leakage from a cable television system shall be within the limits specified
below:---
|
Frequencies
(MHz.) |
Signal leakage limit
(µV/meter) |
Distance
(meters) |
|
Upto
and including 54
|
15
|
30
|
|
Over
54
|
20
|
3
|
(2) The carrier-to-noise ratio for each television channel
received at subscriber’s end of the subscriber’s drop shall not be less than 45
dB.
6. System/Equipment Layout and Location.- (1) A Cable Television Operator shall establish the head-end
facilities in an area which is easily accessible to its subscribers and
authorised officers, and does cause nuisance to people living in residential
areas provided that no objection certificate (NOC) has been obtained from all
relevant organisations, where required.
(2) A Cable Television Operator shall ensure that the
distribution cable does not become nuisance to the public and does not pose a
hazard to people, animals and the environment, besides the security of the
medium itself.
(a) In case where the distribution cable has to be buried in
ground, the following specifications shall be complied with:---
|
Area
|
Standard
|
|
In
case of public areas, where the distribution cable has to be buried under
road, footpaths etc.
|
PVC
pipes shall be used which shall be buried at least one foot below the ground
level.
|
|
In
all other areas
|
The
distribution cable shall be passed in trenches with bricks on three sides
(two sides and on top) and is filled with sand.
|
(a) In case where the medium has to be laid overhead, the Cable
Television Operator shall ensure that the distribution cable is installed at a
sufficient height, out of reach of people and vehicles passing under it and
that it is properly clamped to the poles. The clearance of the distribution
cable shall at least be as follows:---
|
In case:
|
Minimum Ground Clearance
|
|
Where
vehicles, people, animal etc pass under it
|
P14
feet
|
|
All
other areas
|
11
feet
|
Provided that HT electricity poles (on which 11 kV and above
live lines are strung) are not used for the purpose of laying the distribution
cable.
Provided further that in case of using
electricity/telephone/railway poles, disturbance from external sources i.e.
electricity, telephone lines etc. does not cause interference in the
distribution cable which may result in the inferior quality of service to the
subscribers and that all the requirements laid down in Section 6(2)(b) are
fulfilled. The following clearance between the lines and the distribution cable
shall be maintained.
|
In case:
|
Minimum clearance between the
distribution cable and the lines
|
|
Where
the distribution cable has to be strung on LT live lines poles(400/220 V)
|
3
feet
|
|
Where
the distribution cable has to be strung on communication lines.
|
2
feet
|
(3) A Cable Television Operator shall ensure that its cable
system does not cause interference or harm to the equipment of subscribers and
other systems that may be connected to its system.
(4) In case of an expansion/construction of the cable
system, the Cable Television Operator shall ensure that the work is undertaken
only after obtaining proper permission/ NOC from the relevant agencies/offices
in case of digging roads and using other utilities poles etc.
7. Scalability of Cable System.- (1) A Cable Television Operator shall install a system which
is scalable and can cater for the future load growth of the subscribers,
television channels and the technology.
8. Safety.- (1)
A Cable Television Operator shall take all necessary steps to ensure the safety
of its equipment, personnel/staff, own building including surrounding buildings
and environment. The safety measure shall include the following, but are not
limited to:---
(a) Provision of fire-fighting equipment i.e.
fire-extinguisher etc.
(b) Use of standard quality cables for electricity and cable
system.
(2) A Cable Television Operator shall ensure that line
isolators are installed at both ends of the main distribution system, to
prevent stray electrical charges from getting on to the cable system and
causing danger to the subscriber’s equipment and people.
PART 3
Performance Standards
9. Distribution of Television Channels.- (1) A Cable Television Operator shall ensure that only
eligible channels are distributed through its cable system to the subscribers
after proper authorisation from the originators/producers or its representative
duly licensed by the Authority and that no proscribed channels are added to its
cable system for distribution at any time.
(2) A Cable Television Operator shall made provisions in its
head-end facilities for carrying out real-time editing for obscenity, language,
violence etc. according to the ‘Code of Conduct’ of the Pakistan Censor Board.
(3) A Cable Television Operator shall distribute television
channels in such a sequence that the first three frequency slots (48-68 MHz.
i.e E2-E4) are allocated to the national broadcaster (PTV, PTV-1, PTV-World).
10. Service Reliability.- (1)
A Cable Television Operator shall take all necessary steps to avoid
interruption of cable service to its subscribers. These steps include, but are
not limited to:---
(a) provision of alternate power supply [which may include
generators, uninterruptible power supply (UPS), dual power source etc.], 24 hours
a day, to its head-end facilities, to cater for main power failure.
(b) Presence of a trained personnel, 24 hours a days, in
case of any mechanical fault in the head-end facilities.
(2) In case of unplanned interruption, a Cable Television
Operator shall ensure that the interruption duration, in cable service to a
subscriber, does not exceed 18 hours in a year. In case of interruption in the
main distribution cable due to vandalism by extraneous agencies, repair shall
be carried out promptly.
(3) In case of planned interruption, i.e. system
maintenance/upgradation etc., the interruption duration in cable service shall
not exceed 24 hours in a year to a subscriber. Provided that a notice is served
to all affected subscribers at least 24 hours in advance of such interruption.
(4) In case of violation of the Sub-section (2) and (3) of
Section 10, by a Cable Operator, the authorised officer may grant a relief in
the form of a reduction/exemption in the monthly subscription fee of the
affected subscriber(s) for the month(s) in which such violation has taken
place.
(5) A Cable Television Operator shall ensure that the cable
service is not interrupted to its subscribers other then the conditions
specified below:
(a) Conditions mentioned in Sub-section (2) and (3) of
Section 10; and
(b) The subscriber defaults.
11. Maintenance of Record.- (1) A Cable Television Operator shall maintain a record
which shall be available for inspection by the Authority or its authorised
officer and shall contain the following information:---
(a) Name and address of the subscriber.
(b) Date of connection.
(c) Connection fee.
(d) Monthly subscription fee.
(e) No of subscribers including commercial subscribers and
their connections.
(f) Record of television programmes distributed in the last
30 days/one month.
12. New Connection.- (1)
A Cable Television Operator shall ensure that a cable service is provided,
within its defined area, to an applicant within 48 hours after completion of
the following formalities by the applicant:
(a) depositing the installation fee not exceeding the
maximum limit set by the Authority.
(b) prescribed monthly cable television charges for one
month;
(c) completion of all necessary documentation including
agreement forms, registration form etc as approved by the Authority; and
(d) In case of a previous default, all outstanding amount
has been paid to the Cable Operator.
Provided that the applicant falls within 30 meters of the
existing cable system of the Cable Television Operator. In case, the applicant
falls outside the 30 meters limits, the connection may be provided at a
mutually terms and conditions.
13. Monthly Billing Procedure.- (1) A Cable Operator shall ensure that the prescribed
monthly cable television charges are delivered to the subscribers within the
first week of the following month.
(2) In case of a variation in the prescribed monthly cable
television charges, a Cable Operator shall serve a notice to all affected
subscribers at least one month in advance of such occurrence.
(3) A Cable Operator shall ensure that the process of
collection of the prescribed monthly cable television charges is convenient for
the subscribers.
(4) A Cable Operator shall issue a proper receipt to the
subscriber after payment of the prescribed fee which shall contain the
following information:---
(a) Name and address of the subscriber.
(b) The month for which the fee is paid.
(c) Telephone number, where available, and address of the
Cable Operator.
(5) In case a subscriber defaults for two consecutive
months, the Cable Operator may discontinue its cable service after serving a
seven days notice on the subscriber. No service shall be discontinued without
serving the ‘Termination of Service’ notice. The termination notice shall
contain the following:---
(a) Reasons for the expected termination of the cable
service;
(b) Amount outstanding against the subscriber;
(c) Last date for payment of the outstanding dues;
(d) Reconnection charges, only if allowed by the Authority;
and
(e) A telephone number for further information or comments.
(6) For the purpose of collection of prescribed monthly
cable television charges, a Cable Operator shall ensure that its
representative(s) carry proper identification documents along with his
photograph.
14. Procedure for change in Television Channels
(1) In case of any change within the eligible television
channels, a Cable Operator must serve a notice, in writing, at least 48 hours
in advance of such occurrence to all affected subscriber.
PART 4
Complaints Handling Procedure
15. Customer Service Centre and Complaint Handling Procedure
(1) A Cable Television Operator shall have a customer
service desk operating 24 hours a day, and with adequate and trained staff,
within its defined area of service which is easily accessible to all its
subscribers.
(2) A Cable Television Operator shall be required to
entertain complaints by persons appearing personally or lodging the complaints
telephonically or electronically where facilities are available.
(3) A Cable Television Operator shall maintain record
containing all complaints filed by the subscribers. The record shall include
following detail of the complaint:
(a) Name and address of the complainant.
(b) Date and time of filing of the complaint.
(c) Type of complaint (Quality of service, programme
contents, service interruption, billing etc.).
(d) Redressal date and time of the complaint.
(4) A Cable Operator shall ensure that all subscriber
complaints are registered properly and the complainant is informed of the reference
number allotted to such complaints.
(5) A Cable Operator shall ensure that the complaints are
resolved/redressed within 48 hours or two working days in normal circumstances
(circumstances other then force majeure).
(6) For the purpose of maintenance/repair, a Cable Operator
shall ensure that its representative(s) carry proper identification documents
along with a photograph.
(7) A Cable Operator shall submit to the Authority, as and
when required to do so, information regarding the complaints received and
redressed on a prescribed format.
PART 5
Miscellaneous
16. Fine for Violation
(1) A Cable Operator shall ensure that these Standards are
followed in letter and spirit. However, in case of a violation of these
Standards by a Cable Operator, the Authority or its authorised officer may
impose a fine which may extend to Rs. 10,000/- (ten thousands) for each
violation. In case of continuous violation of these Standards, the Authority or
its authorised officer may initiate, either suo moto or on the complaint of the
subscriber, proceeding against the Cable Operator under Section 33 of the PEMRA
Ordinance 2002.
17. Relaxation of the Standards
(1) On a written request by a Cable Operator, any or all of
the above Standards may be relaxed by the Authority or its authorised officer
as deemed appropriate in case of a force majeure . In case a dispute arises
whether the condition is a force majeure or otherwise, the decision of the
Authority shall be final. The written request for relaxing any or all of these
Standards must be filed within two working days of the occurring of such an
event.
18. Dispute Resolution
(1) A dispute arising out of these Standards, between Cable
Operators or between a Cable Operator and subscriber(s) shall be referred to
either the respective Council of Complaints Office or the Authority or its
authorised officer, as the case may be. A show cause notice shall normally be
served on the party against whom such a complaint has been made. A decision
shall only be taken after hearing both the parties in person or through their
authorised representative as the case may be.
19. Right to Appeal
(1) A written appeal can be filed within 14 days of the
final decision taken under Section 10(4), 16, 17 and 18, to the full Authority.
The appeal shall contain the following information:
(a) Name, address and copy of NIC, of the person filing
appeal;
(b) Reasons for disagreeing with the decision;.
(c) Any new information available;
(d) Any information not considered in the previous decision;
and
(e) Relief sought.
Provided that all information filed/submitted, alongwith the
appeal, shall be given under oath on a non-judicial stamp paper of not less
than Rs. 50/-.
20. Revision/amendment/modification of the Standards
(1) The Authority may revise, amend and/or modify these
Standards on an annual basis or at an early date as deemed appropriate.
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