New Delhi, Dec 05: Government estimates put the number of set-top boxes, needed to view pay channel under the CAS regime, imported into India at about 1.6 lakh units. According to official sources, 1,59,580 boxes have been imported for CAS implementation till August this year. Also, they said an analogue STB would cost about Rs 2,500 while digital one would cost between Rs 2,700 to Rs 4,000, depending on features. Besides, various multi system operators have already announced various schemes like refundable deposits plus nominal daily rent, they added.

The cost of 30 free-to-air channels has already been specified by the government at Rs 72. Bureau Report