They have also called for keeping the cable TV business outside the purview of the Broadcasting Bill. Operators were against repeal of the Cable TV Network Regulation Act, 1995 and have asked for continuation of the present Act with some modifications.

They have pointed out that the Cable TV Regulation Act has been effective and the provisions are being implemented and adhered to by most operators.Though the minister was open to suggestions, sources said he would not be looking into the territory distribution of networks. "He did not seem too keen to the idea at this stage as it would generate controversies. Who is to get which area to operate is, however, essential to stop unnecessary violence in the cable industry,"an operator said.

The industry also wants the government to continue with the existing provisions where any cable operator can get a licence.

SitiCable, Zee Network's distribution arm, said it wanted the Bill to include clauses which would control anti-piracy. Said Hari Goenka, deputy chief executive officer, SitiCable, "the licence could be clubbed with the anti-piracy clause. An operator should be able to provide either franchisee of a copyright holder for the software or own it. This should be conditional to his obtaining a licence."

Piracy could be curbed, Goenka said, if operators update the list of the software for which he has copyrights, on a monthly basis. As a punishment measure, the licence of an operator who shows pirated software should be suspended.

The Broadcasting Bill, which would include cable regulations, should lay down a clear policy on how to lay down the cable as a "right of way" system. Lack of uniformity in entertainment tax is also creating confusion in the industry,operators feel.

To upgrade the industry, SitiCable suggested the government should lay down technical standards to be followed by cable operators while putting up the network.