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In a move to end the near monopoly of “one particular family’s’’ cable TV business in the state, the AIADMK government on Friday gave life to the dormant state-run cable TV service, Arasu Cable TV (ACTV), by formally relaunching its operations.

Reviving the ACTV Corporation to fulfill AIADMK's poll promise, chief minister Jayalalithaa, without naming the Maran brothers, said “one particular family” was enjoying monopoly over the cable TV business.

“Exorbitant rates were charged, resulting in one family reaping all the benefits. I had promised to provide cable TV services at subsidised rates,” she said on launching the service through videoconferencing from the state secretariat.

With this, subscribers in all districts, barring Chennai, where the conditional access system is in force, can view 90 free to air channels for a cost of Rs.70 through 34,000 multi-system operators and cable TV operators serving 1.45 crore connections.

Recalling the promise given by her in the election manifesto, Ms Jayalalithaa said, “The government has now ensured that people can pay nominal rates for the cable connection and save around `70 to `100 per month.” However, subscribers would not be able to see the pay channels, as they have not agreed to give signals to ACTV. “Tamil channels like Sun and Vijay will not be visible and a few other English channels like Discovery, AXN will not be covered by ACTV. But, they have no other choice but to join ACTV soon, as almost all cable operators and more than one lakh connections are now with ACTV, failing which they would lose their advertisement revenue,” Tamil Nadu Cable TV owners welfare association president R.S.Kayal Ilavarasu told Deccan Chronicle. He also thanked the chief minister for taking steps to rein in pay channels.

The government has also decided to retain the existing head-ends at Thanjavur, Coimbatore, Vellore and Tirunelveli.