Updated on June 19, 2025 02:53:20 PM
Individuals and enterprises in India who provide cable television services must register as Local Cable Operators (LCOs). LCOs are in charge of providing television signals to subscribers in certain regions. To ensure compliance with government rules, LCOs must register with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB). To improve the efficiency and simplicity of doing business, the government recently amended the Cable Television Network Rules-1994, requiring all registrations to be completed online using the Broadcast Seva portal. This move from the former manual approach, which required applications to be presented at local post offices, ensures that Local Cable Operator Registration certificates are issued in real-time after successfully verifying applicant information. With nationwide validity, a Local Cable Operator Registration enables operators to spread their services across India without regard for regional boundaries.
The new method improves transparency, simplifies compliance, and reduces bureaucratic delays. The Local Cable Operator registration has a processing fee of ₹5,000 and it remains valid for five years. The following article explains the fees, benefits, necessary documents, and step-by-step process to apply online for Local Cable Operator Registration
Table of Content
A Local Cable Operator (LCO) registration allows businesses to distribute television signals to subscribers in a specific region. LCOs must be registered with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) to operate legally. The government recently updated the Cable Television Network Rules-1994 to make the Local Cable Operator registration process entirely online through the Broadcast Seva Portal. Which prevents manual operations and allows for the real-time issuance of LCO registration certificates after verifying documents such as Aadhaar, PAN, CIN, and DIN. The new system provides nationwide validity, streamlines compliance, and supports company expansion, allowing LCOs to operate effortlessly across India while conforming to regulatory restrictions.
Registering as a Local Cable Operator (LCO) offers multiple benefits, such as regulatory compliance, nationwide coverage, fostering business expansion, and increased consumer trust.
Local Cable Operators (LCOs) must comply with the Cable Television Network Act, 1995 and meet the required eligibility criteria, before applying for Local Cable Operator registration. The eligibility criteria for LCO Registration are based on the type of operator and general requirements are as follows:
Required documents for application of Cable Operator registration are listed below:
You can follow the below-listed process to register as an LCO through the Broadcast Seva Portal:
Go to the online Broadcast Seva Portal.
Create an account or log in to the portal.
Enter specified details and upload the required documents in the application form.
Submit the LCO application processing fee of ₹5,000.
Upon verification, the LCO registration certificate is issued in real-time.
The processing fee for Local Cable Operator Registration is ₹ 5,000 and it remains valid for five years from the date of issuance. The LCO registration is valid for operations all over India without any regional restrictions.
LCO’s can file for renewal via the Broadcast Seva Portal to extend its validity, with a processing fee of ₹5,000 at least 90 days before its expiration. Timely renewal of Local Cable Operator registration ensures smooth operations and assures compliance with government standards.
Note: Professional Fee for Local Cable Operator Registration starts from ₹20,000 (Exclusive of GST).
Conclusion
The Local Cable Operator (LCO) registration is mandatory for businesses and organizations that provide cable TV services in India. The online registration method via the Broadcast Seva Portal has simplified the process for LCO registration, ensuring real-time certificate issuing and nationwide validity. Compliance with the Cable Television Network Rules-1994 allows LCOs to legally grow their services, avoid penalties, and increase consumer trust. The LCO registration has a processing fee of ₹5,000 and it remains valid for five years, timely renewal ensures smooth functioning. Obtaining a Local Cable Operator certificate allows businesses to focus on business activities and contribute to the regulated cable TV industry of India.
At Professional Utilities, we leverage our industry knowledge and expertise to help businesses navigate complex regulations, minimize risks, and optimize operations for maximum efficiency and profitability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Businesses that distribute television signals to subscribers in a specific region are known as Local Cable Operators (LCOs).
You can apply for Local Cable Operator registration online via the Broadcast Seva Portal, which was launched by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB).
PAN card, Aadhaar card, proof of business registration, address proof, DSC, service area list, and list of hardware equipment are all required documents for Local Cable Operator registration.
To renew the Local Cable Operator registration, apply through the Broadcast Seva Portal at least 90 days before expiration. The renewal fee for a Local Cable Operator certificate is ₹5,000.
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