The Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 has been legislated to regulate the operation of cable television networks in the country and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. According to the provisions of this Act, ‘cable television network’ means any system consisting of a set of closed transmission paths and associated signal generation, control and distribution equipment, designed to provide cable service for reception by multiple subscribers. The Act prohibits the operation of cable television network by any person unless he is registered as a cable operator under this Act subject to certain provisions. Regarding the registration as cable operator the Act provides that any person who is operating or is desirous of operating a cable television network may apply for registration as a cable operator to the registering authority. The Act further provides that no person shall transmit or re-transmit through a cable service any programme unless such programme is in conformity with the prescribed programme code and prescribed advertisement code. It has been made mandatory for every cable operator re-transmit at least two Doordarshan terrestrial channels and one regional language channel of a State in the prime band, in satellite mode on frequencies other than those carrying terrestrial frequencies.
