The QOS Regulations, 2017 explicitly provides for clarity over the ownership of STB. The framework mandates that distributors should provide STB through an outright purchase scheme, rental scheme and any combinations thereof. The Distributor of television channels or its linked local cable operators, as the case may be, must specify the retail price of STB along with details on guarantee/warranty period.
The framework stipulates a minimum guarantee/ warranty of one year under outright purchase scheme. The ownership of such customer premises equipment shall rest with the subscriber.
Page 6 of 7 Under the rental scheme or bundled scheme distributor or a cable operator is responsible for maintaining the Set Top Box. The MSO/ LCO has to maintain the STB in a good working condition for a minimum period of 3 years.
