Many cable TV subscribers in the country are expressing frustrations about having to purchase new set-top boxes every time they switch cable services, resulting in unnecessary expenses. However, according to the Bhutan InfoComm and Media Authority (BICMA) cable TV subscribers are unaware of the availability and benefits of interoperable set-top boxes. Interoperable set-top boxes allow customers to use their existing set-top boxes when switching television cable services. BICMA issued a notification emphasising the interoperability feature last November.
According to BICMA’s notification, set-top boxes are interoperable within the country, meaning the feature allows customers to use their existing set-top boxes when changing service providers without having to purchase a new one.
Interoperability provides economic benefits, greater choice, improved service quality and a reduction in electronic waste.
However, the public’s lack of awareness remains a challenge. Many subscribers continue to buy new set-top boxes when switching cable services, as they claim they are not informed about the interoperability feature by their cable providers.
“Initially, I used an Etho Metho set-top box. However, when I switched to Norling Cable Service, their office informed me that I had to purchase their set-top box. So, I had to buy a new set-top box,” said Phurba, a resident.
“I have neither heard nor known about this feature. I believe that others like me are not aware of this as well. So, if we move and are told to buy a new set-top box, we would comply since we do not know about the interoperability of set-top boxes,” said Dorji Gyeltshen, another resident.
Many cable service users in Thimphu claimed that they had to buy new set-top boxes when they had to switch their subscriptions between Etho Metho and Norling cable services. The two cable services have the most number of subscribers in Thimphu. Drukcom Digital is the third cable service provider in the capital.
Meanwhile, cable service providers say due to the time required for making set-top boxes interoperable, customers often end up buying new ones.
“Even though BICMA issued the directive last November, we began the migration process only in March when customers started inquiring about this feature. Our company does not instruct customers to purchase our set-top box. Instead, we inform them about the migration and explain that they need to wait for two to three days for the transition to take place,” said Khamsum, an employee of Etho Metho Cable Service.
Meanwhile, Norling Cable Service was not available for comment.
BICMA said that they have been conducting cable TV sensitisation programmes in districts, utilising social media platforms and updating their website to raise awareness about the benefits of interoperable set-top boxes.
The digitisation of cable television was initiated five years ago.
Tashi Dekar
Edited by Sonam Pem
