The Telecom Disputes Settlement & Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) today passed an interim order directing the distributors Star Den to provide their television channel feed to the Headend-In-The-Sky (HITS) service platform of DISH TV India Limited.

This interim measure was in response to a petition filed by DISH TV India Limited, an Essel Group company, against Star Den Media Services Private Limited who were denying their feed to the HITS service. Star Den distributes the Star group of channels.

The interim order further directs Star Den to supply activated decoders of all their channels on or before October 23, 2008.In the DISH TV’s petition before TDSAT, there is also the application of CAS rates for the HITS platform.

HITS is a satellite based multiplex service that provides television channels to cable television operators. For consumers, its introductio will provide access to digital quality television via a set-top box and better choice of channels, while for the cable industry, it will mean faster and cost-effective digitalization.

TDSAT’s interim order paves the way to accelerate the introduction of this new consumer-friendly service.