Four companies have submitted applications for starting direct-to-home services in the country, Lok Sabha was informed on Thursday.

The companies -- Space TV, ASC Enterprises, Essel Shyam Communications and Nodia Software Technology Park -- have not so far been given licence, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said in a written reply.

He said the government does not propose to defer implementation of the conditional access system in view of DTH.

DTH and cable networks are two different modes of delivery of content, he said adding that CAS is a more cost-effective mode while DTH provides maximum premium service and is more effective in remote areas.

Both services can co-exist, he added.

Prasad said an institutional mechanism for regulating some aspects of broadcasting was necessary and an appropriate framework would be worked out after holding detailed consultation with the stakeholders.