"We are satisfied with the implementation of CAS in the notified areas and are looking to expand further as part of CAS Phase-2 and Phase-3," Information and Broadcasting Minister P R Dasmunsi said.
The minister said "urban metros" like Ahmedabad and Bhopal would be areas considered for the expansion of CAS, apart from remaining areas in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai. Satellite towns of Delhi such as Noida and Gurgaon would also be included in the new exercise.
"A comprehensive decision on this would be taken by the first week of February. Discussions on the matter are currently on," Dasmunsi said, denying reports of widespread shortage of set-top boxes, required to de-encrypt pay channels under CAS.
"There were 1-2 complaints but by-and-large, the situation was normal," he said.
After orders from the Delhi High Court, CAS was rolled out in notified areas of Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata from December 31, last year. The system is under implementation in Chennai since 2003.
Dasmunsi said a total of 3.8 lakh STBs were purchased by subscribers in the metros - 1.65 lakh in Delhi, 1.78 lakh in Mumbai and 41,522 in Kolkata.