RPG Netcom, the largest multi-system operator in Kolkata with a subscriber base of around 800,000, announced on Thursday that it has tied up with Dalvi Technology Ltd of the UK to supply analog set top boxes to its customers for about Rs 3200 each.

The prices of STBs could be brought down further if customs duty was reduced by the government that in turn would help in meeting the deadline of July 14 after which Conditional Access System would be in force, RPG Netcom chief executive Dilip Sen told reporters.

Sen said the STBs were priced at Rs 2800 after paying customs duty of about 50 per cent on which subscribers would have to pay local taxes.

The set could be purchased from Hi-Tech Systems and Services Limited or through the local cable operator by paying an initial booking amount of Rs 1500, he said.

The chief executive said Dalvi Technology was a world-leader in the field of analog STBs and the UK company was selected after carrying out extensive tests and field trials on several systems because of its excellent picture quality and high security features.  

"We have already taken delivery of 50,000 STBs and further delivery of the same volume will be coming within June. We expect to sell about 400,000 such sets by November," Sen said.