KOLKATA: The year seems to be ending on a good note for the Kolkata based last mile owners (LMOs), who post digitisation, have been wondering if they would still have ownership of their customers. The LMOs can now breathe a sigh of relief as the cable virtual network operator (CVNO) is taking shape and should be up and running by 15 December 2014.

As reported earlier by Indiantelevision.com, the LMOs apart from uniting to set up their own control room and headend have also tied-up with existing DAS license holders. This apart, in order to speed up the launch, the LMOs are now also talking to the Set Top Box (STB) and headend suppliers and other vendors in India and abroad.

The LMOs have already signed an agreement with a DAS license holder, who will levy a minimum price against every STB. If sources are to be believed, more than 150 LMOs have signed and given consent with an entry fee.

Not revealing much on the operation model Cable Operators Sangram Committee general secretary Apurba Bhattacharya says, “It would be affordable to subscribers.”

Tying up with existing license holders ensures LMOs the power of billing subscribers, distribution of package according to the choice of viewers, share of carriage fee and ownership of STBs, further explains Bhattacharya.

There are some DAS license holders who might go ahead and increase their topline and bottomline by strengthening their presence in the market.

When asked if the LMOs are setting up the headends, other LMOs, who are part of this initiative inform, “The concept is very clear, to either set up our own headend or to partner with MSOs. The investment for every LMO will be according to how much they can afford. In fact some financiers are also ready to invest.”

He further explains that the investment would be based on the size of the LMO’s network and requirement of STBs.

LMOs are the founder of this business. “It can be assured that the quality as well as performance will be competitive with the existing MSOs,” he points out.