Hits Coming

The policy of Headend-In-The-Sky (HITS) is at a final stage for decision but no time frame can be given on such policy issues, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni said.

The policy will be largely based on the recommendations made by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India.


In its report on 17 October 2007, Trai had recommended foreign investment up to 74 per cent in line with the telecom sector, and an entry fee of Rs 100 million and minimum networth requirement of Rs 400 million to ensure that only serious players get the HITS licence. It said that there should be no annual fee.

To avoid vertical integration and to promote competition, Trai had recommended cross holding restrictions among broadcasting companies, DTH licensee and HITS operators. No broadcasting company or DTH licensee, according to Trai, can hold more than 20 per cent of equity in the HITS company and vice-versa.

HITS is a digital delivery mode of distribution of TV channel and would speed up the process of digitalisation of cable services located in non-Cas areas of the country.