Erode cable operators resist forced switch to government boxes

The Thamizhaga Cable TV Operators’ General Welfare Association (TCOA) has asked the Erode district administration to stop pressuring cable operators to switch from private set-top boxes to government-issued ones. Operators reported that they had to buy private boxes due to the government's failure to provide free ones over the past four years. They welcomed the announcement of 200,000 new government boxes but expressed concerns about threats from officials to replace existing private boxes. TCOA members stated that local operators who resisted these pressures faced intimidation, with some already experiencing threats. They urged the administration to intervene for the benefit of cable operators in the district.