NEW DELHI: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has expressed serious concern over the slow progress in filling up of consumer details in Kolkata despite a deadline of 23 August for subscriber application forms (CAF).

After a meeting in Kolkata with multi-system operators who are required to update their subscriber management system for supplying signals to cable operators, TRAI said only around 30 per cent of the subscriber information was available with the MSOs. The meeting was addressed by N Parameswaram, Principal Advisor (Broadcasting) in TRAI.

'This situation is totally unacceptable and alarming', a press note signed by Parameswaram said, adding that all MSOs have been asked to initiate immediate steps to remedy the situation.

He said TRAI may be forced to take penal action against MSOs/ local cable operators in case the deadline is not met.

While requesting subscribers to cooperate, he said that MSOs would have no option but to switch off signals to those subscribers who have not given complete CAFs by 23 August.

Furthermore, he said MSOs who do not switch off the signals to offending subscribers would be in breach of the law.