ITV

Category: Multi System Operators

  • InDigital announces ESOPs for local cable operators

    InDigital announces ESOPs for local cable operators

    MUMBAI: Diwali is a time for celebration and in keeping with the spirit, business partners and local cable operators (LCOs) of InDigital, the digital cable network and NXT Digital, the HITS or Headend-In-The-Sky network of the Hinduja Group’s media vertical were in for a pleasant surprise.

    In a Diwali message via video to distributors and LCOs across the country, Hinduja Group of Companies chairman Ashok P Hinduja announced, “With the smart turnaround of the media business, the time has come for distributing the shareholding in the form of designing equity based plans to LCOs; as LCOs are the foundation on which the business has been built and every LCO must consider the company as his own. The scheme is currently under development.” He further expressed his immense satisfaction in seeing so many LCOs transform into business-persons of stature and success.

    This move is expected to help transform the cable landscape in the country and give a fillip to the LCOs who have been associated with the digital platforms of the Hinduja Group – some for nearly 24 years, the time the cable TV business was instituted.

    Reacting to the announcement, Ashok Singh, a long-time business partner and distributor in Mumbai said, “This announcement continues to reflect the culture and the long-standing commitment of the Hinduja Group to the thousands of LCOs who are part of the cable distribution business, across the country.” Akram Khan, an LCO, who has also been associated with the Group for over two decades reiterated, “We have always known the Hinduja Group to stand by us, especially when we faced challenges; and this announcement shows that the Hinduja Group continues to put its pariwar of LCOs always first. We are delighted to hear this!”

    Hinduja also went on to allay LCO fears that LCOs should not fear competition. Instead, they should feel proud that they are a part of a unique, boutique company delivering quality and differentiated services to customers and should focus on ensuring that they provide the highest levels of customer service.

    He also went on to announce a special scheme for LCOs to expand their business and become direct selling agents of various products and services of the group on a fee-based model; with full training and other support from the group to be launched soon. This initiative of the group is expected to help especially smaller LCOs in semi-urban and rural markets, diversify their revenue streams and help them leverage and monetise their relationships with their customer, even more effectively.

  • All India Digital Cable Federation welcomes festive promotion by broadcasters

    All India Digital Cable Federation welcomes festive promotion by broadcasters

    MUMBAI: While All India Digital Cable Federation (AIDCF) in association with its LCO operator partners always strives to deliver better services to consumers, the federation has welcomed festive promotion by broadcasters offering a discount on select a-la carte channels. AIDCF hopes that such promotional schemes from broadcasters will continue.

    “We from AIDCF commit that we will ensure all such benefits are passed to the consumers. We also hope that new consumer offers will come which will help in boosting consumption,” the federation said in a release.

    Already, voluntarily AIDCF has announced its members will include 150 SD channels instead of 100 SD channels for those subscribers who renew on or before the due date. The decision by AIDCF members resulted in savings of Rs 40 in NCF charges for cable TV customers. AIDCF is looking forward to similar consumer-friendly steps from its broadcaster partners.

    “We thank TRAI for the relentless pursuit to empower TV consumers and give consumers power of choice. To follow the spirit of NTO, cable operators enabled true customer choice by providing each customer choice to select any combination. Today, millions of unique plans are provided by cable operators despite all technical challenges. This is true consumer choice and level of customization is unmatched by any industry in India” AIDCF president SN Sharma said in a press conference.

    AIDCF thanked its LCO partners for continuing to service customers for past 25 years. The federation also pointed out that the operator partners have always upheld the consumer service and successfully seen so many transitions- right from the analogue era to digitization to post NTO world today and they intend to keep this partnership going strong for future. AIDCF also noted that LCO community has been working very hard in helping implement the new NTO and enabling the consumer to choose channels as per her wish.

    All members of AIDCF are pushing all boundaries and plan to announce new packages at attractive price points to offer superior value to subscribers. A few months experience with customer choice data post-NTO have enabled the MSO to create newer packages servicing customer specific needs in a better way by evolving packages.

  • Harmonic Introduces Powerful New Analytics-Driven Service for Cable Operators

    Harmonic Introduces Powerful New Analytics-Driven Service for Cable Operators

    SAN JOSE, Calif. – Harmonic (NASDAQ: HLIT) today announced CableOS™ Central, a new AI-enabled service that features data analytics, 24/7 operational support and engagement tools for cable operators. Designed to complement Harmonic's CableOS virtualized CMTS solution, CableOS Central provides operators with an intelligent and customizable way to proactively identify and address technical issues and network capacity opportunities, enabling delivery of superior-quality internet, voice and video services.

    "While we were originally drawn to Harmonic's CableOS solution because it enabled faster broadband while addressing critical space and power requirements, access to the network data provided by this solution has been a real game-changer for our operations," said Rick Mlcek, president of shared services at Buckeye Broadband.

    "CableOS deployments continue to gain momentum, and Harmonic is once again breaking barriers with its new CableOS Central service," said Gil Katz, senior vice president, Cable Access Business Operations, at Harmonic. "Leveraging the rich data analytics available through our platform, CableOS Central is a powerful new service enabling operators to predict and address issues before they become service-affecting. As operators continue to roll out scalable gigabit broadband services and provide advanced entertainment, business and home-security service offerings, CableOS Central is essential for delivering exceptional quality of service."

    Harmonic's CableOS Central service is composed of three service pillars: Data Analytics, Operations and Engagement Portal.

    CableOS Central Data Analytics service continuously collects, synthesizes and presents network data through a modern set of real-time dashboards, smart alerts and notifications, enabling unprecedented service visibility. Unlike legacy cable data monitoring systems that periodically report the health of only a few network elements, the CableOS platform provides rich real-time data spanning the network physical layer, from data-center servers to remote devices, access network performance parameters and application traffic patterns.

    CableOS Central Operations features a 24/7 team of cable access and networking experts, augmented by an innovative AI toolset. This team complements operators' existing network operations centers by continuously analyzing data from CableOS Central Data Analytics, detecting and diagnosing issues, predicting future problems and assisting with configurations and upgrades.

    CableOS Central Engagement Portal enables operators worldwide to quickly and efficiently engage directly with Harmonic. It is a state-of-the-art connected platform that provides operators with powerful tools for case planning, calendars, software downloads, product and deployment documentation and event management.

    Harmonic will demonstrate its CableOS Central service at the SCTE Cable-Tec Expo, Oct. 1-3, in New Orleans at Booth 247. Further information about Harmonic and the company's solutions is available at www.harmonicinc.com.

  • IMCL sees 11% revenue growth in FY19

    IMCL sees 11% revenue growth in FY19

    MUMBAI: IndusInd Media & Communications Ltd (IMCL) is hoping to achieve a positive profit after tax for the financial year 2019-20. In FY 2019, the company’s subscription revenue grew by 11 per cent and subscriber base by 10 per cent over FY 2018.

    Hinduja Venture Chairman Ashok P Hinduja commented in its annual report 2018-19, “IMCL along with its subsidiary companies has an active subscriber base of 5.1 million. This is expected to grow substantially in the coming years. With all these positive developments, IMCL is expected to return a positive profit after tax in the years ahead.”

    During the year gone by in 2018-19, the NXT Digital and IN Digital – distribution platforms of IMCL have taken giant strides not only in terms of the subscriber base but also in terms of its subscription revenue.

    Sharing his view on the TRAI new tariff order, Hinduja said, “Mandating a minimum assured distribution fee to the distribution platforms like IMCL from the broadcasters, NTO brings in a new regime that largely benefits digital platform operators (DPO) like IMCL to retain an operating margin as against the previous model wherein IMCL was effectively subsidising the broadcaster costs to the consumers.”

    He further said that the successful implementation of the new tariff order by IMCL while simultaneously ensuring that there is least disruption to customer service has been very well recognised by the industry and all its stakeholders.

    During the year 2018-19, the company introduced hybrid high definition set top boxes in the market for the first time. It also introduced VAS services channels – branded “NXT Services” across multiple genres and for all age groups – a bouquet which is very popular among consumers.

    IMCL has already signed up half a million subscribers on managed services model whereby small DPOs can operate profitably by using the infrastructure of IMCL on an opex model.  

    During the year under review, IMCL posted a positive operating profit in the last quarter of the year. The company also informed that it has achieved a collection to billing ratio at 99.5 per cent which is highest in the industry.

  • Arasu Cable plans to launch an OTT service

    Arasu Cable plans to launch an OTT service

    MUMBAI: Tamil Nadu Arasu Cable TV Corporation (TACTV), the State-owned MSO of Tamil Nadu, is soon jumping on the OTT bandwagon. In addition to it, the MSO will also be providing IPTV services and internet connectivity to rural and urban households. The information was shared by the state minister for Information Technology M Manikandan in the assembly on Wednesday.

    He also went on to mention that Arasu aims to get a loan of Rs 100 crore in 2019-2020 with a government guarantee. This loan is to cover up the cash flow deficit that the company is witnessing due to purchasing set top boxes. The investment into STBs led to a depletion of funds and so the company could not meet its financial obligations. There was also expenditure due to broadcasting services.

     

  • Kerala Vision partners Y&A Transformation for new revenue streams

    Kerala Vision partners Y&A Transformation for new revenue streams

    MUMBAI: After establishing itself in Kerala with 24 lakh TV homes, Kerala Vision Cable (KV) is looking to expand its revenue streams. For its next stage of transformation, the company partnered with Y&A Transformation, a business transformation company, focused on helping its clients build the #NextPractices, erasing the #BestPractices legacy mindset, through agile, collaborative, adaptive and innovative methods of doing business in the areas of technology, data, content, customer centricity, customer experience, CRM, CSR, sustainability and organisation culture.

    Y&A Transformation is helping KV find new streams of revenue by making use of its chain of cable operators and households. IT is working to transform the relationship with customers from just a subscription fee collection one to building relationships. By this, it can open up a new channel for sales. Deals have already been struck for products ranging from gold loan by a bank to creating loyalty to a particular petroleum company.

    Commenting on the KV transformation, Y&A Transformation MD and co-founder S Yesduas said, “In today’s dynamic market where the focus is moving from selling products to building relationships with the customers, we are helping Kerala Vision reimagine their field strength by making it a sales channel which will take relevant products and services specifically curated and created by marketers for KV consumers, to doorsteps.  It is an absolute win-win solution. The large base of KV customers is an attractive proposition for marketers, their sales and marketing costs reduce. They also get to use the KV channels for their promotion with very special packages. KV gets a special incentive on the actual conversion and they are also able to provide additional value to their customers.”

    Speaking on the partnership, Kerala Vision MD Rajmohan Mambra said, “Y&A Transformation is our business advisors. We are very pleased with the contributions they make to our business. They are involved with us in all aspects of our business, from distribution to programming to sales. I would urge marketers looking at Kerala as a market to get in touch with Y&A Transformation before they look elsewhere because what they can put together will be incomparable.”

  • Reliance Jio acquires another 12% of Den Networks

    Reliance Jio acquires another 12% of Den Networks

    BENGALURU: Under disclosures of SEBI Regulations for Substantial Acquisitions of Shares and Takeovers (SAST), three Reliance Jio companies have informed the stock exchanges that they have increased their holdings in Indian multi system operator (MSO) Den Networks from 66.57 percent to 78.62 percent or increased their holdings by 12.05 percent which translates to roughly 5.75 crore shares. The three Jio companies are Jio Futuristic Digital Holdings Pvt Ltd, Jio Digital Distribution Holdings Pvt Ltd and Jio Television Distribution Holdings Pvt Ltd.

    As mentioned by us in October 2018 (http://www.indiantelevision.com/iworld/telecom/ril-close-to-buying-majority-stakes-in-den-hathway-181016) , Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) had announced the following strategic investments through a preferential issue under SEBI regulations and a secondary purchase to acquire a 66 per cent stake in Den Networks Ltd. Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited (Jio) is a mobile network operator owned by Reliance Industries Limited. Besides Den Networks, RIL had also announced strategic investments in the Rajan Raheja-controlled  Hathway Cable and Datacom Ltd at that time RIL said that these strategic investments are in furtherance of Reliance’s mission of connecting everyone and everything, everywhere – always at the highest quality and the most affordable price and transforming India’s digital landscape.

  • Ortel CFO Satyanarayan Jena steps down

    Ortel CFO Satyanarayan Jena steps down

    MUMBAI: Satyanarayan Jena, the chief financial officer of the MSO Ortel Communications has stepped down. The resignation of the executive was effective from yesterday.

    “We hereby inform you that Satyanarayan Jena, has resigned from the post of chief financial officer of the company. The company has accepted his resignation and he will be relieved of his responsibilities effective from close of business hours on 28 February 2019,”  the company said in a BSE filing. Jena was elevated as CFO back in 2017 when Manoj Kumar Patra resigned from his position. He was associated with the company since 12 November 2015.  

    Ortel Communications is undergoing corporate insolvency resolution process (CIRP) and as on 27 November 2018, the National Company Law Tribunal passed an order for comencement of CIRP in last November. Sony Pictures Networks India( SPNI), an operational creditor of Ortel filed the application.

  • One Take Media Co launches K-World first time in India on IMCL platform

    One Take Media Co launches K-World first time in India on IMCL platform

    MUMBAI: Leading multi-system operator (MSO) and Headend-in-the-sky (HITS) platform company IndusInd Media & Communications Limited (IMCL) has partnered with One Take Media Co (OTMC) to launch K-World (Korean Language) first time in India. This will be part of their subscription-based services which are available to all InDigitalCATV subscribers across India.

    Korean K-dramas are popular due to the freshness and short length of the dramas. OTMC offers an array of K-dramas and Korean Movies with more than 200 Hours of content dubbed in Hindi.

    Currently, One Take Media isalready running 14 services across IMCL’s InDigital and NXT Digital platforms like Hollywood Movies, Bhojpuri films, Bengali, Marathi, Tamil and Telugu movies, kids nursery rhymes, animated movies , animated series ,Celebrity Chef based cooking shows,  Other unique services also include Hollywood and South Indian movies dubbed in Hindi.

    The Korean entertainment industry is booming right now. The global audience for Korean music and Korean television is exploding across Asia and is even spreading to Europe and North America. The unique K- World service from OTMC includes popular K-dramas like “Rich Man” “My Littlie baby”, “Melting Hearts”, “King in Love” , “ Sweet Revenge “”Bride of the century”  and many more .

    OTMCDirector ShamolyKhera said, “K- world is catching world like a fever .This surge of Korean popularity has been called "Hallyu.–Korean wave” and refers to the way Korean entertainment is spreading around the world”

     

     

     

    NK Rouse, COO, IndusInd Media & Communications Ltd. added, “IMCL continues to be the driver in digital innovation and building up our VAS offerings across both our platformsremains an integral partof that evolution. With One Take Media Co, a company with decades of experience in providing VAS solutions – we’re certain that our customers will enjoy this engaging and innovative offering of K-World”
     

  • GTPL cable TV business revenue up; broadband business keeps afloat

    GTPL cable TV business revenue up; broadband business keeps afloat

    BENGALURU: Indian multi-system operator and internet service provider GTPL Hathway Ltd (GTPL) reported 12.6 percent increase in total income for the quarter ended 31 December 2018 (Q3 2019, quarter or period under review) as compared to the corresponding year ago quarter (y-o-y) Q3 2018. GTPL’s Total Income in Q3 2019 was Rs 319.91 crore, for the corresponding year ago quarter it was Rs 284.09 crore.

    GTPL has two segments – cable TV business and internet service. Every Indian broadband internet services provider has been hit by Jio. Reliance Jio Infocomm has made available low cost broadband internet services at a never before scale in India, unprecedented anywhere in the world. Most operators have been bleeding subscribers, and how! ARPUs have plummeted.

    GTPL’s internet service business has been reporting a steep decline in operating profits over the past few quarters. In Q3-2019, GTPL’s internet business was still profitable. And the company has reported that its internet subscriber base increased by 11,000 for the period under review, however at lower ARPU. For Q3 2019, internet business ARPU was Rs 430 as compared to Rs 487 in Q3 2018.

    GTPPL’s consolidated profit after tax (PAT) increased 3.1 percent y-o-y in Q3 2019 to Rs 19.72 crore from Rs 19.13 crore in Q3 2018. Consolidated total comprehensive income for the period increased 2.4 percent y-o-y to Rs 19.72 crore from Rs 19.26 crore. Consolidated operating profit (EBITDA) excluding other income was almost flat – it declined 0.8 percent y-o-y in Q3 2019 to Rs 77.89 crore (24.8 percent of operating or op revenue) from Rs 78.53 crore (27.8 percent of op revenue) in the corresponding quarter of the previous fiscal.

    Segment Performance

    Cable TV business operating result increased 20.1 percent y-o-y to Rs 19.35 crore in Q3 2019 from Rs 816.11 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous year. Operating revenue of GTPL’s cable TV business increased 14.7 percent y-o-y to Rs 278.06 crore from Rs 242.4 crore.

     GTPL’s TV business added 2,00,000 CATV digital subscribers in Q3 2019, 1,70,000 of which it says were paying subscribers. The company says that it had seeded 3,00,000 set-top boxes during the quarter under review. In all GTPL says that it seeded 0.95 crore STBs, of which 0.8 crore were active and 0.745 crore were digital paying subscribers as of 31 December 2018. GTPL’s largest subscriber base is in phase IV areas. Digital paying subscriber bases for phases I, II, III and IV were 0.066 crore, 0.169 crore, 0.226 crore and 0.283 crore respectively. ARPUs remained flat y-o-y across all the four DAS phases. ARPUs net of taxes for phases I, II, III and IV were Rs 103, Rs 102, Rs 67 and Rs 60 respectively.

    GTPL’s internet business operating revenue in Q3 2019 was almost flat – it increased 1.1 percent y-o-y to Rs 36.44 crore from Rs 36.03 crore. Internet service segment’s operating results for Q3 2019 declined by 87.9 percent y-o-y to just Rs 0.37 crore from Rs 3.03 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous year.

    GTPL says in a press release that during the quarter, it was appointed as Project Implementation Agency (PIA) of Package B for implementation of BharatNet Phase – II Project in the state of Gujarat by Gujarat Fibre Grid Network Limited (GFGNL). The company says that the project is worth Rs 1,245.77 crore. The project is on EPC bases and includes survey, design, plan, execution with active/passive (OSP + Electronics) components with commissioning of complete network.

    Let us look at the other numbers reported by GTPL Hathway

    Consolidated total expenditure increased 16.3 percent y-o-y during the quarter under review to Rs 289.05 crore from Rs 248.59 crore in Q3 2018. Pay channel cost in Q3 2019 increased 26.5 percent y-o-y to Rs 137.72 crore from Rs 108.90 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous year. Other operational costs reduced 16.5 percent y-o-y in Q3 2019 to Rs 23.99 crore from Rs 20.64 crore in Q3 2018.

    Employee benefits expense in Q3 2019 increased 18.9 percent y-o-y to Rs 37.63 crore from Rs 31.64 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous fiscal. Finance costs reduced 20 percent y-o-y during the quarter under review to Rs 5.86 crore from Rs 7.32 crore. Other expenses in the period reduced 3.7 percent y-o-y to Rs 37.28 crore in Q3 2019 from Rs 38.72 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous year.

    Company Speak

    GTPL Hathway managing director Anirudhasinhji Jadeja said in a press release, “In an environment of uncertainty, GTPL Hathway has continued to post steady performance. Our first 9 month revenue and PAT are up by 14 percent and 10 percent respectively; reflecting inherent strength of the company’s offerings and quality customer service. The new tariff order has put customers at the centre of the business; providing them freedom to make their own choices. As India’s one of the leading MSOs, we expect higher monetisation across the phases and better transparency as a direct fall out of the new order.”