Category: Multi System Operators

Mauli Cable asked to pay Rs 15 lakh to Hathway at time of signing agreement

NEW DELHI: Mauli Cable Network has been directed by the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal to pay upgront a sum of Rs 15 lakh to Hathway Cable and Datacom when signig a fresh interconnect agreement on 28 June at the office of the latter.

The vacation bench of Member B B Srivastava in its order of 24 June 2016 noted that Mauli had not denied the amount of Rs 33,27,944 but that the invoice had been raised only on 6 June 2016.

Listing the matter for 8 July 2016, the Tribunal said the balance would be paid within four weeks of its order.

The Tribunal noted that Mauli was prepared to visit the office of Hathway on 28 June 2016 for signing a new agreement. It also noted that counsel for Hathway said that a representative of Mauli who had earlier turned up for this purpose without any authority to sign the agreement.

Hathway told the Tribunal that it was providing the signals to Mauli for transmission, thereby answering the question raised by Mauli which had said it was not clear who the agreement was to be signed with.

June 27, 2016
Mauli Cable asked to pay Rs 15 lakh to Hathway at time of signing agreement

NEW DELHI: Mauli Cable Network has been directed by the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal to pay upgront a sum of Rs 15 lakh to Hathway Cable and Datacom when signig a fresh interconnect agreement on 28 June at the office of the latter.

The vacation bench of Member B B Srivastava in its order of 24 June 2016 noted that Mauli had not denied the amount of Rs 33,27,944 but that the invoice had been raised only on 6 June 2016.

Listing the matter for 8 July 2016, the Tribunal said the balance would be paid within four weeks of its order.

The Tribunal noted that Mauli was prepared to visit the office of Hathway on 28 June 2016 for signing a new agreement. It also noted that counsel for Hathway said that a representative of Mauli who had earlier turned up for this purpose without any authority to sign the agreement.

Hathway told the Tribunal that it was providing the signals to Mauli for transmission, thereby answering the question raised by Mauli which had said it was not clear who the agreement was to be signed with.

June 27, 2016
Wadhwa says Siti Cable is continually looking for acquisitions

MUMBAI: Siti Cable, part of the Essel group is not going to immediately get the benefits of the 100 per cent FDI relaxation in the TV distribution sector. This was revealed by Siti Cable executive director & CEO VD Wadhwa to TV channel Bloomberg TV a couple of days ago.

Wadhwa said that the promoters own 71 per cent of Siti Cable Networks; with the non-promoter holding standing at 29 per cent. “At least for the next two to four quarters I don’t see any major benefits coming out to the government in terms of foreign currency inflows into the business,” he told Bloomberg TV.

He added that the company would continue to grow both organically and inorganically in FY 2017. “The industry is going through a tight cash situation. The industry has largely been fragmented,” he stated. “Now consolidation is happening at the cable operator level, it is happening at the regional level. It is only a matter of time before it starts happening at the national level as well.”

He revealed that his company was participating in the consolidation as post digitization it was becoming difficult for the cable operator to survive alone. “We are keeping our eye open because we have identified some of the geographies wherever we would like to expand by acquisition and wherever we see a strategic fit,” he explained.

He pointed out to the network’s acquisitions recently in Maharashtra and Gujarat where Siti Cable was relatively weak.

“In both these places we have expanded through partnerships. In Mumbai, we acquired 600,000 subscribers by acquiring 76 per cent in a local network Scod18. In Gujarat, we have acquired 700,000-800,000 subscribers by doing a 51:49 per cent joint venture in Gujarat,” he revealed.

He said Siti Cable had agreed to take a 50 per cent stake in Assam-based Axom Communications as the existing promoter was comfortable in partaking of only that much equity. “The new Companies Act allows us to control an organization either through an equity stake or through the composition of the board. We chose to get a majority on the board and will be consolidating the results with Siti Cable’s financials on account of that,” he disclosed.

Wadhwa explained that Siti Cable would be more open to taking anywhere between 51 per cent and 76 per cent stakes in cable TV ventures as it makes sense to have a partner who knows the local territory well to still be involved in the business even after acquisition or a partnership.

June 24, 2016
Wadhwa says Siti Cable is continually looking for acquisitions

MUMBAI: Siti Cable, part of the Essel group is not going to immediately get the benefits of the 100 per cent FDI relaxation in the TV distribution sector. This was revealed by Siti Cable executive director & CEO VD Wadhwa to TV channel Bloomberg TV a couple of days ago.

Wadhwa said that the promoters own 71 per cent of Siti Cable Networks; with the non-promoter holding standing at 29 per cent. “At least for the next two to four quarters I don’t see any major benefits coming out to the government in terms of foreign currency inflows into the business,” he told Bloomberg TV.

He added that the company would continue to grow both organically and inorganically in FY 2017. “The industry is going through a tight cash situation. The industry has largely been fragmented,” he stated. “Now consolidation is happening at the cable operator level, it is happening at the regional level. It is only a matter of time before it starts happening at the national level as well.”

He revealed that his company was participating in the consolidation as post digitization it was becoming difficult for the cable operator to survive alone. “We are keeping our eye open because we have identified some of the geographies wherever we would like to expand by acquisition and wherever we see a strategic fit,” he explained.

He pointed out to the network’s acquisitions recently in Maharashtra and Gujarat where Siti Cable was relatively weak.

“In both these places we have expanded through partnerships. In Mumbai, we acquired 600,000 subscribers by acquiring 76 per cent in a local network Scod18. In Gujarat, we have acquired 700,000-800,000 subscribers by doing a 51:49 per cent joint venture in Gujarat,” he revealed.

He said Siti Cable had agreed to take a 50 per cent stake in Assam-based Axom Communications as the existing promoter was comfortable in partaking of only that much equity. “The new Companies Act allows us to control an organization either through an equity stake or through the composition of the board. We chose to get a majority on the board and will be consolidating the results with Siti Cable’s financials on account of that,” he disclosed.

Wadhwa explained that Siti Cable would be more open to taking anywhere between 51 per cent and 76 per cent stakes in cable TV ventures as it makes sense to have a partner who knows the local territory well to still be involved in the business even after acquisition or a partnership.

June 24, 2016
Den denies being taken over by Star India

MUMBAI: In a letter to the stock exchanges, the Sameer Manchanda led Den Network Limited (Den) has denied news item appearing in the Hindustan Times that it is being taken over by Star India.

A letter signed by the company secretary of the leading Indian MSO Jatin Mahakan to the stock exchanges in India says:

“This is with reference to the news item appearing in a leading Newspaper entitled ‘Star in News to acquire DEN on June 11, 2016. The company denies the news item and has a policy never to comment on any market speculation.

We always ensure that the appropriate intimations are provided to the Stock Exchange with respect to material events, information, etc., in terms of the Listing Agreement and as and when the same is bring approved by the Board of Directors of the Company.

You are requested to take the same on record.”

Early in May 2016, there were rumours that Siti Cable was likely to take over Den Networks Limited which both companies strongly denied.

Siti Cable denies acquisition of Den Network

June 13, 2016
Den denies being taken over by Star India

MUMBAI: In a letter to the stock exchanges, the Sameer Manchanda led Den Network Limited (Den) has denied news item appearing in the Hindustan Times that it is being taken over by Star India.

A letter signed by the company secretary of the leading Indian MSO Jatin Mahakan to the stock exchanges in India says:

“This is with reference to the news item appearing in a leading Newspaper entitled ‘Star in News to acquire DEN on June 11, 2016. The company denies the news item and has a policy never to comment on any market speculation.

We always ensure that the appropriate intimations are provided to the Stock Exchange with respect to material events, information, etc., in terms of the Listing Agreement and as and when the same is bring approved by the Board of Directors of the Company.

You are requested to take the same on record.”

Early in May 2016, there were rumours that Siti Cable was likely to take over Den Networks Limited which both companies strongly denied.

Siti Cable denies acquisition of Den Network

June 13, 2016
MSO number touches 900 including 671 provisional

NEW DELHI: Even as the total number of multi-system operators has risen to 900 including 671 getting provisional licences, the government has cancelled the permanent licence of one more MSO and the number of permanent licencees (up to ten years) has fallen by one to 229 as on 2 June. Thus, the number of MSOs has risen by 60 since 29 April when it was 840.

The permanent licence issued to Kable First Davangere Pvt. Ltd. in December last has been canceled as it has surrendered its licence to the Information and Broadcasting ministry.

In mid-May, Star Broadband Services (India) Pvt. Ltd, which earlier had a permanent licence for distributing signals in Delhi, had been shifted to the provisional category when it applied for pan India distribution. Tanuku Communication Networks of Andhra Pradesh was also moved from permanent to provisional category.

In the case of God father Communication Pvt. Ltd. of Amritsar, the cancellation of its licence was stayed in July 2014 by the Punjab and Haryana High Court. Similarly, the cancellation of Intermedia Cable Communication Pvt. Ltd. had been stayed by Delhi High Court in December 2013.

The Information and Broadcasting ministry had cancelled the licences of 27 MSOs and closed their cases by 2 June. In most of the other cases in the list of cancelled registrations, it is because of failure to get security clearance from the Home ministry. However, there are cases of many MSOs holding provisional licences not completing certain formalities relating to shareholders and so on.

According to the latest list, the area of operation of one MSO has been revised after 24 May. In the week following that, only one MSO, Altimeric Digital Pvt Ltd of Odsisha, has been given pan-India licences. The new registrations include the states of, or specific districts in, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Gujarat, Karnataka, Chhatisgarh, and Andhra Pradesh.

With the Home ministry directive about doing away with security clearances for MSOs not being communicated in writing to the MIB, the pace remains slow.

The permanent licence issued to Kal Cable of Chennai had been cancelled on 20 August 2014, but this cancellation was set aside by Madras High Court on 5 September the same year. However, Kal Cable’s name continues to be in the cancelled list – presumably because the cases are still pending.

June 6, 2016
MSO number touches 900 including 671 provisional

NEW DELHI: Even as the total number of multi-system operators has risen to 900 including 671 getting provisional licences, the government has cancelled the permanent licence of one more MSO and the number of permanent licencees (up to ten years) has fallen by one to 229 as on 2 June. Thus, the number of MSOs has risen by 60 since 29 April when it was 840.

The permanent licence issued to Kable First Davangere Pvt. Ltd. in December last has been canceled as it has surrendered its licence to the Information and Broadcasting ministry.

In mid-May, Star Broadband Services (India) Pvt. Ltd, which earlier had a permanent licence for distributing signals in Delhi, had been shifted to the provisional category when it applied for pan India distribution. Tanuku Communication Networks of Andhra Pradesh was also moved from permanent to provisional category.

In the case of God father Communication Pvt. Ltd. of Amritsar, the cancellation of its licence was stayed in July 2014 by the Punjab and Haryana High Court. Similarly, the cancellation of Intermedia Cable Communication Pvt. Ltd. had been stayed by Delhi High Court in December 2013.

The Information and Broadcasting ministry had cancelled the licences of 27 MSOs and closed their cases by 2 June. In most of the other cases in the list of cancelled registrations, it is because of failure to get security clearance from the Home ministry. However, there are cases of many MSOs holding provisional licences not completing certain formalities relating to shareholders and so on.

According to the latest list, the area of operation of one MSO has been revised after 24 May. In the week following that, only one MSO, Altimeric Digital Pvt Ltd of Odsisha, has been given pan-India licences. The new registrations include the states of, or specific districts in, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Gujarat, Karnataka, Chhatisgarh, and Andhra Pradesh.

With the Home ministry directive about doing away with security clearances for MSOs not being communicated in writing to the MIB, the pace remains slow.

The permanent licence issued to Kal Cable of Chennai had been cancelled on 20 August 2014, but this cancellation was set aside by Madras High Court on 5 September the same year. However, Kal Cable’s name continues to be in the cancelled list – presumably because the cases are still pending.

June 6, 2016
Rewind Ignites groundbreaking performance driven marketing partnership program

MUMBAI: Rewind Networks has embarked on a first of its kind initiative by thanking and rewarding its viewers for watching HITS. Asia’s leading e-retailer, Zalora has signed up as a launch partner for this new marketing initiative that combines HITS’ eight million household reach across Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan with the power of digital analytics. Under the newly minted “HITS Rewards U” program, HITS’ viewers receive an exclusive ZALORA discount promotion code.

“We’re excited to work with ZALORA as our premiere partner for HITS Rewards U! Never in my last 20 years in the industry have I seen a TV network thank and reward viewers for watching their channel and we’re happy to be the first to do so,” said Mr. Avi Himatsinghani, CEO of Rewind Networks. “With this new initiative, HITS fans will not only benefit from our marketing partnerships, but will be primed to look forward to them in the future. It also gives people another reason to feel good about their pay-TV subscription.”

Tito Costa, Director and Chief Marketing Officer at ZALORA added “We believe in the quality of shows aired on HITS TV which is a must for any TV partnership. Our partnership with Rewind Networks allows us to reach a wide audience and offer viewers a more compelling reason to stay tuned and watch their favorite shows on HITS TV.”

At the same time, Rewind Networks has hired Sabrina Mimouni as Manager – Revenue & Partnerships. Prior to joining Rewind, Sabrina served as Regional Distribution Manager with Euronews where she helped aggressively grow the channel’s reach across the region. Originally hailing from France, Ms. Mimouni will be based in Singapore and tasked with growing ad sales and partnerships for HITS. Sabrina will report to Avi Himatsinghani and work closely with Sandie Lee, VP & Channel Head as well as Carolyn So, Manager
– Marketing & Digital Media.

The network has already established successful pan-regional marketing partnerships with leading global brands like Subaru and The Walt Disney Studios and will be growing its portfolio with innovative media solutions across categories.

Avi Himatsinghani commented, “Sabrina comes from a strong background in sales and building great business partnerships. I’m very pleased to have her on board as we embark on this next HITS chapter!”

Sabrina Mimouni remarked, “I’m excited for this new challenge and am looking forward to forging new partnerships for the company. I already watch hours of HITS every week and it’s only natural that I now work for the channel!”

June 6, 2016
Rewind Ignites groundbreaking performance driven marketing partnership program

MUMBAI: Rewind Networks has embarked on a first of its kind initiative by thanking and rewarding its viewers for watching HITS. Asia’s leading e-retailer, Zalora has signed up as a launch partner for this new marketing initiative that combines HITS’ eight million household reach across Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan with the power of digital analytics. Under the newly minted “HITS Rewards U” program, HITS’ viewers receive an exclusive ZALORA discount promotion code.

“We’re excited to work with ZALORA as our premiere partner for HITS Rewards U! Never in my last 20 years in the industry have I seen a TV network thank and reward viewers for watching their channel and we’re happy to be the first to do so,” said Mr. Avi Himatsinghani, CEO of Rewind Networks. “With this new initiative, HITS fans will not only benefit from our marketing partnerships, but will be primed to look forward to them in the future. It also gives people another reason to feel good about their pay-TV subscription.”

Tito Costa, Director and Chief Marketing Officer at ZALORA added “We believe in the quality of shows aired on HITS TV which is a must for any TV partnership. Our partnership with Rewind Networks allows us to reach a wide audience and offer viewers a more compelling reason to stay tuned and watch their favorite shows on HITS TV.”

At the same time, Rewind Networks has hired Sabrina Mimouni as Manager – Revenue & Partnerships. Prior to joining Rewind, Sabrina served as Regional Distribution Manager with Euronews where she helped aggressively grow the channel’s reach across the region. Originally hailing from France, Ms. Mimouni will be based in Singapore and tasked with growing ad sales and partnerships for HITS. Sabrina will report to Avi Himatsinghani and work closely with Sandie Lee, VP & Channel Head as well as Carolyn So, Manager
– Marketing & Digital Media.

The network has already established successful pan-regional marketing partnerships with leading global brands like Subaru and The Walt Disney Studios and will be growing its portfolio with innovative media solutions across categories.

Avi Himatsinghani commented, “Sabrina comes from a strong background in sales and building great business partnerships. I’m very pleased to have her on board as we embark on this next HITS chapter!”

Sabrina Mimouni remarked, “I’m excited for this new challenge and am looking forward to forging new partnerships for the company. I already watch hours of HITS every week and it’s only natural that I now work for the channel!”

June 6, 2016