Indicating that the controversial conditional access system may be deferred beyond July 15, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad told reporters on Friday that from August 1 all channels, including the paid ones, will be available for Rs 72 plus tax in the four metros.

Prasad said this was agreed at the meeting the cable and multi-system operators had with Sudheendra Kulkarni the officer on special duty at the Prime Minister's Office.

Stating due consideration will be given to the recommendations made by the MSOs and COs, Prasad said the government will consider zone-wise implementation of CAS from September 1.

Prasad further said the whole process of implementing CAS would be completed in the four metros by December 1.