ITV

Category: Cable TV

  • 30 MSOs got provisional licences in Oct, taking total to 1033

    30 MSOs got provisional licences in Oct, taking total to 1033

    NEW DELHI: With 30 more multi-system operators (MSOs) getting provisional registration in October, the total has risen to 1033 with just around seven weeks to go for switching off analogue signals and completion of digital addressable system for cable television around the country.

    While the total of provisional licences as on 31 October went up from 774 to 804, the number of permanent licences (10 years) remained static at 229.

    The Information and Broadcasting Ministry today released the list of 42 MSOs – as against 29 MSOs at the end of September — licences of which had been cancelled and cases closed. In addition, there are four cases — Godfather Communication Pvt. Ltd of Amritsar, Kal Cables Pvt Ltd of Chennai, Digi Cable Network (India) Pvt Ltd of Mumbai, and Intermedia Cable Communication Pvt. Ltd of Delhi — in which high courts stayed the cancellation orders in petitions filed by these MSOs.

    The number of cancellations or cases closed has gone up by 15 since 2 June this year. Most of the other cases in the list of cancelled registrations had failed 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 up to 31 October 2016, the areas of operation of four MSOs (two each in the permanent and provisional list) have been revised or corrected after 30 September 2016. Of the new licencees, two — Enyes Network Communication Private Ltd of Tamil Nadu and Satcom Satellite Network of Mumbai – have got pan-India licences.

    The other new registrations after September 2016 include the states of, or specific districts in, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Punjab.

    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.

    In the last meeting of the DAS Task Force, it was revealed that though there were a reported 6000 MSOs in the country but only a handful of them had come forward to register.

    Also read:  MSOs finally cross 1000 as pan-India DAS deadline nears

  • 30 MSOs got provisional licences in Oct, taking total to 1033

    30 MSOs got provisional licences in Oct, taking total to 1033

    NEW DELHI: With 30 more multi-system operators (MSOs) getting provisional registration in October, the total has risen to 1033 with just around seven weeks to go for switching off analogue signals and completion of digital addressable system for cable television around the country.

    While the total of provisional licences as on 31 October went up from 774 to 804, the number of permanent licences (10 years) remained static at 229.

    The Information and Broadcasting Ministry today released the list of 42 MSOs – as against 29 MSOs at the end of September — licences of which had been cancelled and cases closed. In addition, there are four cases — Godfather Communication Pvt. Ltd of Amritsar, Kal Cables Pvt Ltd of Chennai, Digi Cable Network (India) Pvt Ltd of Mumbai, and Intermedia Cable Communication Pvt. Ltd of Delhi — in which high courts stayed the cancellation orders in petitions filed by these MSOs.

    The number of cancellations or cases closed has gone up by 15 since 2 June this year. Most of the other cases in the list of cancelled registrations had failed 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 up to 31 October 2016, the areas of operation of four MSOs (two each in the permanent and provisional list) have been revised or corrected after 30 September 2016. Of the new licencees, two — Enyes Network Communication Private Ltd of Tamil Nadu and Satcom Satellite Network of Mumbai – have got pan-India licences.

    The other new registrations after September 2016 include the states of, or specific districts in, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Punjab.

    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.

    In the last meeting of the DAS Task Force, it was revealed that though there were a reported 6000 MSOs in the country but only a handful of them had come forward to register.

    Also read:  MSOs finally cross 1000 as pan-India DAS deadline nears

  • Siti Networks CEO V.D. Wadhwa hails dismissal of DAS III cases by Delhi HC

    Siti Networks CEO V.D. Wadhwa hails dismissal of DAS III cases by Delhi HC

    MUMBAI: Siti Networks executive director & CEO V.D. Wadhwa has welcomed the Delhi High Court judgement which, on 3 November, overruled the orders passed by various other high courts whereby the stay granted for extension of digitisation for nine cases spanning four states in DAS Phase III will no longer be applicable.

    The DAS Phase III implementation deadline of 31 December 2015 had been impacted due to stay orders taken in various high courts. On the basis of the ministry of information & broadcasting’s recommendation, in April, the Supreme Court had transferred all cases related to extension of DAS Phase III deadline to the Delhi High Court, thus making it a designated court for all related matters.

    Welcoming the judgement, Wadhwa said that the dismissal of the nine cases by the Delhi High Court will pave the path for cable TV digitisation in phase III areas and allow for its timely implementation in phase IV localities as well.

    In his 3 November order, Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva of the Delhi High Court’s single bench has directed all nine petitioners to run a scroll on their networks about digitization and switch off analog signals in three weeks. Justice Sachdeva also said that these cases were infructuous as the time sought for extension had already been given and the extension has well passed those dates. The nine cases for which the order was given are from four states, namely, Karnataka (Riddhi Vision, Victory Digital, Sri Chowdeshwary Cable Network, Yogesh Cable Networks, Amma TV), Kerala (Athulay Infomedia), Andhra Pradesh & Telangana (Panchajanya Media), and Uttar Pradesh (Sai Cable TV Network, Sunil Kr Singh).

    Wadhwa added: “Digitisation is very important for not just the consumers, who will get better service and more choice in terms of channel packages, but also for local cable operators, MSOs and broadcasters. It will allow for parity in sharing of revenues as per TRAI guidelines. This will also aid in increasing the internet penetration in the country and thus realizing the digital India dream. I would urge all concerned to immediately comply with the honorable court’s orders to seed digital set-top boxes and switching off of analog signals in three weeks’ time.”

    All India Digital Cable Federation (AIDCF), the industry body representing Multi System Operators (MSO), has asked all its members to work with broadcasters to switch off analogue signals and implement digitisation in DAS Phase III markets immediately in line with the court order.

    AIDCF has urged all LCOs, MSOs, broadcasters and government bodies to help complete digitisation at the earliest. In a separate mail sent to Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF), the apex body for television broadcasters, AIDCF has asked them to shut down analogue and broadcast digital signals only.

    Wadhwa, in his capacity as the president of AIDCF, thanked Justice Sachdeva for this important order to pave the way for digitisation.

  • Siti Networks CEO V.D. Wadhwa hails dismissal of DAS III cases by Delhi HC

    Siti Networks CEO V.D. Wadhwa hails dismissal of DAS III cases by Delhi HC

    MUMBAI: Siti Networks executive director & CEO V.D. Wadhwa has welcomed the Delhi High Court judgement which, on 3 November, overruled the orders passed by various other high courts whereby the stay granted for extension of digitisation for nine cases spanning four states in DAS Phase III will no longer be applicable.

    The DAS Phase III implementation deadline of 31 December 2015 had been impacted due to stay orders taken in various high courts. On the basis of the ministry of information & broadcasting’s recommendation, in April, the Supreme Court had transferred all cases related to extension of DAS Phase III deadline to the Delhi High Court, thus making it a designated court for all related matters.

    Welcoming the judgement, Wadhwa said that the dismissal of the nine cases by the Delhi High Court will pave the path for cable TV digitisation in phase III areas and allow for its timely implementation in phase IV localities as well.

    In his 3 November order, Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva of the Delhi High Court’s single bench has directed all nine petitioners to run a scroll on their networks about digitization and switch off analog signals in three weeks. Justice Sachdeva also said that these cases were infructuous as the time sought for extension had already been given and the extension has well passed those dates. The nine cases for which the order was given are from four states, namely, Karnataka (Riddhi Vision, Victory Digital, Sri Chowdeshwary Cable Network, Yogesh Cable Networks, Amma TV), Kerala (Athulay Infomedia), Andhra Pradesh & Telangana (Panchajanya Media), and Uttar Pradesh (Sai Cable TV Network, Sunil Kr Singh).

    Wadhwa added: “Digitisation is very important for not just the consumers, who will get better service and more choice in terms of channel packages, but also for local cable operators, MSOs and broadcasters. It will allow for parity in sharing of revenues as per TRAI guidelines. This will also aid in increasing the internet penetration in the country and thus realizing the digital India dream. I would urge all concerned to immediately comply with the honorable court’s orders to seed digital set-top boxes and switching off of analog signals in three weeks’ time.”

    All India Digital Cable Federation (AIDCF), the industry body representing Multi System Operators (MSO), has asked all its members to work with broadcasters to switch off analogue signals and implement digitisation in DAS Phase III markets immediately in line with the court order.

    AIDCF has urged all LCOs, MSOs, broadcasters and government bodies to help complete digitisation at the earliest. In a separate mail sent to Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF), the apex body for television broadcasters, AIDCF has asked them to shut down analogue and broadcast digital signals only.

    Wadhwa, in his capacity as the president of AIDCF, thanked Justice Sachdeva for this important order to pave the way for digitisation.

  • DAS cases put off to 23 Nov as legal processes incomplete

    DAS cases put off to 23 Nov as legal processes incomplete

    NEW DELHI: All legal cases related to third phase of Digital Addressable System (DAS), listed before a division bench headed by Justice G Rohini of Delhi High Court, have been adjourned to 23 November 2016.

    The bench comprising Justice G Rohini and Sangita Dhingra Sehgal did not hear the various cases as it was informed that some legal processes relating to the cases had not been completed. Earlier on 18 October 2016, the division bench had taken cognisance of all cases that challenged any constitutional norms.  

    Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva had issued notice in September on two more petitions — filed by Om Systems of Mumbai and Digiana— related to Phase III of DAS. The cases also include an application by the Indian Broadcasting Foundation for being impleaded in the case.

    Earlier, on 26 September 2016, the division bench of Chief Justice G Rohini and Justice Sangita Dhingra Sehgal had held that two matters, filed by Indusind Media & Communication Ltd and Bhima Riddhi Digital Services, were challenging the constitutional validity of certain provisions of Maharashtra Entertainment Duty Act, 1923 as amended by Maharashtra Entertainment Duty (Amendment and Continuance) Act, 2014 and not the validity of the Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable Services) Interconnection (Digital Addressable Cable Television Systems) Regulations 2012.

    The Supreme Court had on 1 April 2016 this year accepted the plea of the Central Government that “it would be just and proper” to transfer to Delhi High Court all cases pending in different High Courts, many of which had given injunction orders.

    A total of 62 cases had been filed by some multi-system operators (MSOs) in various courts in the country for extension in the deadline of Phase lll. Out of these 62 cases, 12 cases had been disposed of by respective courts and three cases had been withdrawn by the petitioners.

    ALSO READ:  DAS petitions challenging constitutional provisions listed for 3 November

    Several DAS III petitions may be transferred to Division Bench of Delhi High Court

    Two more DAS cases put off to Oct. in Delhi HC

  • DAS cases put off to 23 Nov as legal processes incomplete

    DAS cases put off to 23 Nov as legal processes incomplete

    NEW DELHI: All legal cases related to third phase of Digital Addressable System (DAS), listed before a division bench headed by Justice G Rohini of Delhi High Court, have been adjourned to 23 November 2016.

    The bench comprising Justice G Rohini and Sangita Dhingra Sehgal did not hear the various cases as it was informed that some legal processes relating to the cases had not been completed. Earlier on 18 October 2016, the division bench had taken cognisance of all cases that challenged any constitutional norms.  

    Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva had issued notice in September on two more petitions — filed by Om Systems of Mumbai and Digiana— related to Phase III of DAS. The cases also include an application by the Indian Broadcasting Foundation for being impleaded in the case.

    Earlier, on 26 September 2016, the division bench of Chief Justice G Rohini and Justice Sangita Dhingra Sehgal had held that two matters, filed by Indusind Media & Communication Ltd and Bhima Riddhi Digital Services, were challenging the constitutional validity of certain provisions of Maharashtra Entertainment Duty Act, 1923 as amended by Maharashtra Entertainment Duty (Amendment and Continuance) Act, 2014 and not the validity of the Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable Services) Interconnection (Digital Addressable Cable Television Systems) Regulations 2012.

    The Supreme Court had on 1 April 2016 this year accepted the plea of the Central Government that “it would be just and proper” to transfer to Delhi High Court all cases pending in different High Courts, many of which had given injunction orders.

    A total of 62 cases had been filed by some multi-system operators (MSOs) in various courts in the country for extension in the deadline of Phase lll. Out of these 62 cases, 12 cases had been disposed of by respective courts and three cases had been withdrawn by the petitioners.

    ALSO READ:  DAS petitions challenging constitutional provisions listed for 3 November

    Several DAS III petitions may be transferred to Division Bench of Delhi High Court

    Two more DAS cases put off to Oct. in Delhi HC

  • Arasu says MIB can’t enforce analogue switchoff in Chennai on 31 Dec ’16

    Arasu says MIB can’t enforce analogue switchoff in Chennai on 31 Dec ’16

    MUMBAI: Digital addressable system (DAS) or digitisation of India cable TV could well see a further slowdown if the Tamil Nadu Arasu Cable TV Corporation Ltd (TACTV) has its way. The government-owned Chennai-based MSO has written to the information and broadcasting ministry (MIB) saying that its order to broadcasters to shut off analogue signals by 31 December 2016 cannot be adhered to for the city.

    The reason: the Madras High Court has yet to pass judgment on TACTV’s litigation with the MIB and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India on the applicability of DAS regulations in Chennai and on the issue of a DAS licence to it.

    TACTV had earlier applied to the MIB for a DAS licence but not met with any success as both it and the TRAI believe that distribution of television via cable TV should be kept out of the purview of government owned undertakings, which the former is.

    Following the rejection of its application, the cable TV MSO had approached the Madras High Court through two writ petitions bearing nos. 7067/2013 and 7068/2013. Both had sought direction to the MIB to process its DAS licence applications dated 5 July 2012, and 23 November 2012. But both are pending before the court.

    The Madras High Court had then passed a restraining order on writ petitions 34213/2013 and 40365 of 2015, disallowing the disconnection of analogue TV signals in Chennai.

    TACTV says that if broadcasters heed the 31 December 2016 analogue signal switch off notification sent by the MIB to them, it would tantamount to contempt of court and could attract proceedings in that direction.

    The cable TV MSO says that the “MIB had itself admitted as much in a counter affidavit dated November 18, 2013 filed before the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT).”

    TRAI had through a press release on 10 December 2013 termed the transmission of analogue signals in Chennai as illegal and had tried to restrain TACTV from transmitting the same.

  • Arasu says MIB can’t enforce analogue switchoff in Chennai on 31 Dec ’16

    Arasu says MIB can’t enforce analogue switchoff in Chennai on 31 Dec ’16

    MUMBAI: Digital addressable system (DAS) or digitisation of India cable TV could well see a further slowdown if the Tamil Nadu Arasu Cable TV Corporation Ltd (TACTV) has its way. The government-owned Chennai-based MSO has written to the information and broadcasting ministry (MIB) saying that its order to broadcasters to shut off analogue signals by 31 December 2016 cannot be adhered to for the city.

    The reason: the Madras High Court has yet to pass judgment on TACTV’s litigation with the MIB and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India on the applicability of DAS regulations in Chennai and on the issue of a DAS licence to it.

    TACTV had earlier applied to the MIB for a DAS licence but not met with any success as both it and the TRAI believe that distribution of television via cable TV should be kept out of the purview of government owned undertakings, which the former is.

    Following the rejection of its application, the cable TV MSO had approached the Madras High Court through two writ petitions bearing nos. 7067/2013 and 7068/2013. Both had sought direction to the MIB to process its DAS licence applications dated 5 July 2012, and 23 November 2012. But both are pending before the court.

    The Madras High Court had then passed a restraining order on writ petitions 34213/2013 and 40365 of 2015, disallowing the disconnection of analogue TV signals in Chennai.

    TACTV says that if broadcasters heed the 31 December 2016 analogue signal switch off notification sent by the MIB to them, it would tantamount to contempt of court and could attract proceedings in that direction.

    The cable TV MSO says that the “MIB had itself admitted as much in a counter affidavit dated November 18, 2013 filed before the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT).”

    TRAI had through a press release on 10 December 2013 termed the transmission of analogue signals in Chennai as illegal and had tried to restrain TACTV from transmitting the same.

  • Hathway rebrands in-house channels

    Hathway rebrands in-house channels

    MUMBAI: Hathway Cable and Datacom Limited has given a new dimension to some of its key channels through a rebranding move that includes new packaging and graphics of the five new channels launched earlier this year.

    Hathway CCC is now ‘CCC’, Hathway Movies & Hathway Entertainment is now H-Flicks 1 and H-Flicks 2, respectively, and Hathway Shoppee is now ‘H-Mart’ while H-Tube retains its identity with a new, trendy feel.

    Earlier this year, in April, Hathway launched four channels — DJAY, Lamhe, Home Theatre and Marathi Talkies followed by Divine during the Ganapati festival, thus, strengthening its portfolio of in-house channels. With this rebranding exercise, the platform now has a line-up of movies, music, spiritual and a consumer-centric channel which offers diverse content to its subscribers with the right mix of localisation.

    Commenting on the rebranding efforts, Hathway Cable and Datacom video business president Tavinderjit Panesar stated, “Our continuous efforts to streamline and create a robust portfolio of Hathway channels has seen another step forward with the refreshing of our key channels — CCC, Flicks 1, Flicks 2, H-Tube and H-Mart with the right degree of positioning and vibrancy. We firmly believe in making this as a true differentiator in the industry and build a value proposition for our subscribers.”

    All these channels will be available on a pan-India basis with Flicks 1 and Flicks 2 offering regional and local content for specific regions.

    With digitization and growing consumer demand, the cable segment sees a big opportunity in providing differentiated & value-for-money content. With this rebranding, Hathway now has a unique, potent offering of 10 major in-house channels available for its subscribers unlike some of its competitors.

  • Hathway rebrands in-house channels

    Hathway rebrands in-house channels

    MUMBAI: Hathway Cable and Datacom Limited has given a new dimension to some of its key channels through a rebranding move that includes new packaging and graphics of the five new channels launched earlier this year.

    Hathway CCC is now ‘CCC’, Hathway Movies & Hathway Entertainment is now H-Flicks 1 and H-Flicks 2, respectively, and Hathway Shoppee is now ‘H-Mart’ while H-Tube retains its identity with a new, trendy feel.

    Earlier this year, in April, Hathway launched four channels — DJAY, Lamhe, Home Theatre and Marathi Talkies followed by Divine during the Ganapati festival, thus, strengthening its portfolio of in-house channels. With this rebranding exercise, the platform now has a line-up of movies, music, spiritual and a consumer-centric channel which offers diverse content to its subscribers with the right mix of localisation.

    Commenting on the rebranding efforts, Hathway Cable and Datacom video business president Tavinderjit Panesar stated, “Our continuous efforts to streamline and create a robust portfolio of Hathway channels has seen another step forward with the refreshing of our key channels — CCC, Flicks 1, Flicks 2, H-Tube and H-Mart with the right degree of positioning and vibrancy. We firmly believe in making this as a true differentiator in the industry and build a value proposition for our subscribers.”

    All these channels will be available on a pan-India basis with Flicks 1 and Flicks 2 offering regional and local content for specific regions.

    With digitization and growing consumer demand, the cable segment sees a big opportunity in providing differentiated & value-for-money content. With this rebranding, Hathway now has a unique, potent offering of 10 major in-house channels available for its subscribers unlike some of its competitors.