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TRAI consultation paper: Tech players echo need for defined CAS/SMS framework
MUMBAI: The irregularities in the conditional access system (CAS) and subscriber management systems (SMS), the key pillars of delivering broadcast services in the digitised era, have been major concerns for stakeholders. Like all broadcasters and major distribution platform operators (DPOs), technology players have voiced the need to define a framework for CAS/SMS systems as the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) issued a consultation paper seeking comments on the issue.
ByDesign India Private Ltd (BIPL), which offers an advanced embedded security CAS, SMS platform, recommends certain additional audit measures to improve the compliance of CAS, SMS which can be utilised by TRAI and/or its appointed auditors as it is of the view that self-certification is not sufficient.
“BIPL has long been an advocate for standardisation of the systems which creates a level playing field and a fair operating environment for all ecosystem partners," it said. According to it, a defined framework with minimum requirements would ensure good service quality to end consumers, help broadcasters by reducing content security threat and prevent loss of revenue for the government of India. It mentioned the dire need to define a framework to benchmark the minimum requirements of the system before these can be deployed by any DPO in India.
“A standard framework also allows the product / application developers / providers to plan their resources and price their products / services in accordance to the market offerings and end consumer requirements. This helps in running sustainable business operations with healthy competition and implementing growth strategies thereby providing confidence and satisfaction to its investors, shareholders as well as its employees,” it added.
Nagra Kudelski opined that a certificate from CAS and SMS vendor is sufficient to confirm the compliance of CAS, SMS. However, it also noted that a compliance certificate certifying that the SoC (System on Chip) has implemented secure TEE or hardware root of trust (security module) needs to be issued by the SoC vendor. It also added that SoC, CAS, SMS vendors should have a registered office in India with the necessary infrastructure to provide 24 x 7 support.
“While we follow the Digital Video Broadcasting Project (DVB) standards, we also agree that there is a need to define a framework for the overall Digital TV systems in India. There is a need to define CAS security and robustness to ensure that the business and technical interests of Operators and the Government of India are fully met,” it stated further.
ReliableSoft, one of the leading SMS providers in India recommended that TRAI should finalise benchmark features of SMS apart from Schedule III features and then all DPOs should conform those features with their existing SMS or New SMS that DPOs are going to finalise, based on that SMS compliance can be improved. It is also in favour of a defined framework for SMS systems in India.
Schedule III of the interconnection regulation specifies the benchmark features or technical criteria that the systems are required to comply with. In addition, there are provisions in Schedule III that entail CAS and SMS systems to conform to certain technical features to check the piracy.
SAFEVIEW, which offers CAS/DRM solution to TV operators, said that CAS-issued certificate for the SMS deployed in that particular DPO should be made mandatory. It also added that current version of CAS deployed needs to be certified by an accredited international agency for Hollywood studios. It is also in favour of defining a framework for CAS/ SMS systems to benchmark the minimum requirements.
However, technology players differ in their opinion on the topic that who should be entrusted with the task of defining the framework. BIPL said a committee should be entrusted with a chairperson who should be reporting to the regulator. It also suggested representation from TRAI, ministry of information and broadcasting (MIB), ministry of electronics and information technology ( MEITY), ministry of home affairs (MHA), ministry of finance (MoF), ministry of company/ corporate and consumer affairs, Prasar Bharati, Software Testing and Quality Certification (STQC) Directorate, BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards).
“We propose that TRAI leads the overall monitoring and execution with support from BIS. Assign industry members including the leading CAS vendors, operators and SMS vendors as part of a group to define the framework. As TRAI is the leading authority that defines the rules and regulations for the industry, and therefore, is in best position to ensure proper measures are put in place. Adding industry members will ensure that the operation and business interests are considered as part of the framework,” Nagra Kudelski said.
ReliableSoft suggested that STQC Directorate should be entrusted with the task while SAFEVIEW recommended TRAI itself should take up the task.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
