MIB cancels licences of over 1,000 MSOs in push for stricter compliance

In a significant move to tighten regulatory oversight in the cable television sector, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has cancelled the licences of more than 1,000 multi-system operators (MSOs) across the country. The crackdown comes as part of the ministry’s efforts to ensure stricter compliance with licensing norms and operational guidelines.

According to the latest data released by the ministry, as of March 31, a total of 1,045 MSO registrations had either expired, been surrendered voluntarily, or were found to be non-compliant with the prescribed regulations.

In addition to the cancellations due to non-compliance or expiry, the ministry has also rejected or cancelled over 114 MSO applications for reasons, including suppression of vital information and non-payment of dues. These cases highlight the Ministry’s intent to crack down on not just inactive or non-compliant operators but also those attempting to bypass regulatory procedures.

The clean-up drive has led to a noticeable reduction in the number of operational MSOs in the country. As of March 2025, only 845 MSOs remain registered with the MIB. In November 2024, the number stood at 843 operational MSOs—a drop from the 998 recorded in 2023.

Industry experts suggest that this development could pave the way for more streamlined operations in the sector, potentially benefiting consumers with better service quality and accountability. At the same time, the move sends a clear message to operators about the importance of adhering to regulatory frameworks.

MIB has reiterated its commitment to ensuring transparency and maintaining a robust licensing ecosystem. With digitization and technological upgrades transforming the broadcasting landscape, maintaining an updated and compliant registry of service providers is seen as essential to the sector’s long-term growth and credibility.