ITV

Category: Cable TV

  • Siti Networks says price revision benefits will accrue in second half

    Siti Networks says price revision benefits will accrue in second half

    MUMBAI: DAS paralysis in phase III markets is having an impact on Siti Networks (Siti Cable) performance. This was revealed by CEO V. D. Wadhwa to CNBC TV18 today.

    Speaking to the business news channel, he said that Siti Networks target was to roll out an additional five million boxes in the ongoing year. But this would not be likely met as “Phase-III digitisation is currently on hold and because the matter is subjudice in Delhi High Court, so it has been delayed. So, it all depends on that, but we are hoping that if the matter gets decided by the court in the next one or two months, we should still be able to deliver our original target, otherwise there will be some shortfall.”

    Vadhwa informed CNBC TV18 that the company has set its sights on 250,000 broadband subscribers (currently 130,000) by March 2017 and around 200,000 plus subscribers for its 57 HD channel bouquet. The company had hoped to hit 300,000 HD subscribers but has had to scale back its numbers as the HD market “is not moving the way we expected the it to grow. We are carrying the inventory; we are carrying the content but we have pulled back on our HD subscriber numbers.”

    He pointed out the benefits of the price revision that company has resorted to will be felt in the second half of the year. “Earlier we were operating with four packages. Now we have reduced the packages and now total three package is there. Basic package and then the royal and magnum package. So, the price increase at the consumer level is in the range of weighted average, roughly Rs 40 increase in the prices and we are targeting that at least half of this should flow back to us. At least Rs 15-20 is what we are targeting that should flow back to the company. So it has just happened in the month of July. In some market it has been revised in the month of July. Balance, it is getting revised in the month of August itself.”

  • Siti Networks says price revision benefits will accrue in second half

    Siti Networks says price revision benefits will accrue in second half

    MUMBAI: DAS paralysis in phase III markets is having an impact on Siti Networks (Siti Cable) performance. This was revealed by CEO V. D. Wadhwa to CNBC TV18 today.

    Speaking to the business news channel, he said that Siti Networks target was to roll out an additional five million boxes in the ongoing year. But this would not be likely met as “Phase-III digitisation is currently on hold and because the matter is subjudice in Delhi High Court, so it has been delayed. So, it all depends on that, but we are hoping that if the matter gets decided by the court in the next one or two months, we should still be able to deliver our original target, otherwise there will be some shortfall.”

    Vadhwa informed CNBC TV18 that the company has set its sights on 250,000 broadband subscribers (currently 130,000) by March 2017 and around 200,000 plus subscribers for its 57 HD channel bouquet. The company had hoped to hit 300,000 HD subscribers but has had to scale back its numbers as the HD market “is not moving the way we expected the it to grow. We are carrying the inventory; we are carrying the content but we have pulled back on our HD subscriber numbers.”

    He pointed out the benefits of the price revision that company has resorted to will be felt in the second half of the year. “Earlier we were operating with four packages. Now we have reduced the packages and now total three package is there. Basic package and then the royal and magnum package. So, the price increase at the consumer level is in the range of weighted average, roughly Rs 40 increase in the prices and we are targeting that at least half of this should flow back to us. At least Rs 15-20 is what we are targeting that should flow back to the company. So it has just happened in the month of July. In some market it has been revised in the month of July. Balance, it is getting revised in the month of August itself.”

  • Hathway board clears GTPL IPO

    Hathway board clears GTPL IPO

    MUMBAI: Even as naysayers have been saying investor sentiment is pretty negative about the cable TV distribution sector in India, here is a company which is looking to swim against the tide. Cable TV and broadband internet services provider Hathway Cable & Datcom’s board today gave it the thumbs up to make an initial public offering for its subsidiary outfit GTPL Hathway.

    GTPL Hathway offers cable TV and broadband services in many cities in India among which figure Pune, Ahmedabad and Kolkata.

    The board gave approval to the IPO proposal which seeks to raise funds for GTPL through a fresh issue of equity shares while giving an option to existing GTPL shareholders to sell their holdings. Hathway holds around nine million shares in GTPL, according to a filing wih the Bombay stock exchange on Wednesday.

    The Hathway board also gave a go-ahead to the proposal to set up a committee to work on the various aspects of the proposed IPO including regulatory and shareholder approvals. Of course, all these proposals would be subject to shareholder and regulatory approval.

    Hathway has 23 headends in 160 cities nationwide and its cable TV service subscriber base as on 31 March 2016 was 12.3 million with 10.6 million of them having migrated to digital cable TV. It had a broadband susbscriber base of 627,000 even as it passed 3.3 million homes. 2.4 million of the cable TV subscribers were in phase I areas; 4.2 million in phase II, while its phase III and IV universe was at 4.1 million.

  • Hathway board clears GTPL IPO

    Hathway board clears GTPL IPO

    MUMBAI: Even as naysayers have been saying investor sentiment is pretty negative about the cable TV distribution sector in India, here is a company which is looking to swim against the tide. Cable TV and broadband internet services provider Hathway Cable & Datcom’s board today gave it the thumbs up to make an initial public offering for its subsidiary outfit GTPL Hathway.

    GTPL Hathway offers cable TV and broadband services in many cities in India among which figure Pune, Ahmedabad and Kolkata.

    The board gave approval to the IPO proposal which seeks to raise funds for GTPL through a fresh issue of equity shares while giving an option to existing GTPL shareholders to sell their holdings. Hathway holds around nine million shares in GTPL, according to a filing wih the Bombay stock exchange on Wednesday.

    The Hathway board also gave a go-ahead to the proposal to set up a committee to work on the various aspects of the proposed IPO including regulatory and shareholder approvals. Of course, all these proposals would be subject to shareholder and regulatory approval.

    Hathway has 23 headends in 160 cities nationwide and its cable TV service subscriber base as on 31 March 2016 was 12.3 million with 10.6 million of them having migrated to digital cable TV. It had a broadband susbscriber base of 627,000 even as it passed 3.3 million homes. 2.4 million of the cable TV subscribers were in phase I areas; 4.2 million in phase II, while its phase III and IV universe was at 4.1 million.

  • Subhash Chandra’s brothers step down as Siti Networks promoters

    Subhash Chandra’s brothers step down as Siti Networks promoters

    Mumbai: There’s change in the list of promoters at Siti Networks (earlier known as SitiCable). The national Indian MSO informed the Bombay stock exchange last week that – as part of a family arrangement and agreement – Jawahar Lal Goel, Laxmi Narain Goel and Ashok Kumar Goel along with their respective family members and persons acting in concert with them have been declasifeid as ‘promoters.’

    All three are brothers of Essel group (of which Siti Networks is a part) promoter Subhash Chandra. Over the past few years, Chandra has been working on separating the roles of his brothers and settling the ownership structure within the Essel Group (of which Siti Networks is a part).

    Around eight years ago, he gave independent charge to Laxmi Narain, Jawahar and Ashok Goel. Although seen as one group, the businesses are run independently. Their moving aside as promoters of Siti Networks is a continuation of the division process.

    Chandra’s two sons Punit and Amit are looking after his media interests in Zee Entertainment Enterprises with Punit functioning as the MD and Amit being given the responsibility of international sales and digital.

  • Subhash Chandra’s brothers step down as Siti Networks promoters

    Subhash Chandra’s brothers step down as Siti Networks promoters

    Mumbai: There’s change in the list of promoters at Siti Networks (earlier known as SitiCable). The national Indian MSO informed the Bombay stock exchange last week that – as part of a family arrangement and agreement – Jawahar Lal Goel, Laxmi Narain Goel and Ashok Kumar Goel along with their respective family members and persons acting in concert with them have been declasifeid as ‘promoters.’

    All three are brothers of Essel group (of which Siti Networks is a part) promoter Subhash Chandra. Over the past few years, Chandra has been working on separating the roles of his brothers and settling the ownership structure within the Essel Group (of which Siti Networks is a part).

    Around eight years ago, he gave independent charge to Laxmi Narain, Jawahar and Ashok Goel. Although seen as one group, the businesses are run independently. Their moving aside as promoters of Siti Networks is a continuation of the division process.

    Chandra’s two sons Punit and Amit are looking after his media interests in Zee Entertainment Enterprises with Punit functioning as the MD and Amit being given the responsibility of international sales and digital.

  • Siti Cable Network renamed as Siti Networks

    Siti Cable Network renamed as Siti Networks

    MUMBAI: A new name brings in new vibes and possibly a new direction. At least that ‘s what the Essel group is aiming for if one goes by the name change it has resorted to at its national cable TV MSO Siti Cable. Last week, It informed the Bombay stock exchange, that it will be called Siti Networks as it has got shareholders (earlier) and the Registrars’ approval on 5 August for the renaming. The company was originally incorporated as Wire and Wireless (India) Ltd.

    As reported by Indiantelevision.com earlier, Siti Networks reported 29.4 per cent growth in revenue for the fiscal ended 31 March 2016 (FY-16, current fiscal). The company reported revenue of Rs 1213 crore in FY-16 as compared to Rs 937 crore in the previous year. Operating profit (EBIDTA) in the current year increased to Rs 323 crore as compared to Rs 168.4 crore in FY-15.

    The company has reported a profitable turnaround for the first time in its history. Neglecting the impact of minority interest, Siti profit after tax in the current year was Rs 6.84 crore as compared to a loss (without factoring in minority interest) of Rs 101.88 crore in FY-15.The company’s loss in the current year declined to Rs 1.71 crore from a loss of Rs 109.10 crore in FY-15. Siti reported profit before tax (PBT) at Rs 22 crore in FY16 as compared to a negative PBT of Rs 85.2 crore.

    Siti’s cable subscribers in FY-16 grew to 1.22 crore from 1.05 crore reported at the end of FY-15. The growth happened in Q3-16.

    On the other hand the digital subscribers in FY-16 increased to 79 lakh (64.8 percent of cable subscribers) as compared to 53.8 lakh in FY-15 (51.2 percent of cable subscribers). Digital subscribers in the quarter ended 31 March 2016 (Q4-16, current quarter) increased by 11 lakh to 79 lakh as compared to 68 lakh in Q3-16.

    Whereas, the broadband subscribers in FY-16 grew 93.3 percent to1.355 lakh from 0.701 lakh in FY-15. Broadband subscribers in Q3-16 were 1.07 lakh.

  • Siti Cable Network renamed as Siti Networks

    Siti Cable Network renamed as Siti Networks

    MUMBAI: A new name brings in new vibes and possibly a new direction. At least that ‘s what the Essel group is aiming for if one goes by the name change it has resorted to at its national cable TV MSO Siti Cable. Last week, It informed the Bombay stock exchange, that it will be called Siti Networks as it has got shareholders (earlier) and the Registrars’ approval on 5 August for the renaming. The company was originally incorporated as Wire and Wireless (India) Ltd.

    As reported by Indiantelevision.com earlier, Siti Networks reported 29.4 per cent growth in revenue for the fiscal ended 31 March 2016 (FY-16, current fiscal). The company reported revenue of Rs 1213 crore in FY-16 as compared to Rs 937 crore in the previous year. Operating profit (EBIDTA) in the current year increased to Rs 323 crore as compared to Rs 168.4 crore in FY-15.

    The company has reported a profitable turnaround for the first time in its history. Neglecting the impact of minority interest, Siti profit after tax in the current year was Rs 6.84 crore as compared to a loss (without factoring in minority interest) of Rs 101.88 crore in FY-15.The company’s loss in the current year declined to Rs 1.71 crore from a loss of Rs 109.10 crore in FY-15. Siti reported profit before tax (PBT) at Rs 22 crore in FY16 as compared to a negative PBT of Rs 85.2 crore.

    Siti’s cable subscribers in FY-16 grew to 1.22 crore from 1.05 crore reported at the end of FY-15. The growth happened in Q3-16.

    On the other hand the digital subscribers in FY-16 increased to 79 lakh (64.8 percent of cable subscribers) as compared to 53.8 lakh in FY-15 (51.2 percent of cable subscribers). Digital subscribers in the quarter ended 31 March 2016 (Q4-16, current quarter) increased by 11 lakh to 79 lakh as compared to 68 lakh in Q3-16.

    Whereas, the broadband subscribers in FY-16 grew 93.3 percent to1.355 lakh from 0.701 lakh in FY-15. Broadband subscribers in Q3-16 were 1.07 lakh.

  • SNL Kagan says US cable TV will be robust despite decline in video

    SNL Kagan says US cable TV will be robust despite decline in video

    MUMBAI: The naysayers have been making a cacophony of sound about the upcoming gradual squeezing out of life of the US cable TV sector. They have been citing the rampant cord-cutting, slimming down of bundles and the explosion in cheaper alternative OTT services as clear indicators that the countdown clock is ticking away.

    But long time cable TV bellwether SNL Kagan, a part of S&P Global Market Intelligence says that things are looking cheery enough for US operators. 

    A recent report by it indicates that the industry’s broadband advantage and bundling stance will enhance revenues from 2016 to 2026. The revised cable forecast incorporates a slightly improved outlook for the video segment and continued upside for the broadband services, which will translate into revenue growth.

    Kagan states that residential revenues are projected to increase from $108.38 billion in 2016 to $117.7 billion in 2026, or $9.32 billion over the 10-year interval. Contributions from commercial services will help push total industry revenue from $130.57 billion in 2016 to $140.99 billion in 2016, or $10.42 billion over the 10-year period.

    Following are some additional highlights from SNL Kagan’s 10-Year Cable Projections:

    . Subscriber Growth: Broadband subscriptions are forecast to swell by more than eight  million  over the next 10 years, reaching 71 million, and coming in at more than 1.6x the number of video subscriptions

    . Less Dramatic Decline: Basic video subscriptions are projected to drop by an annual compounded growth (CAGR) rate of 1.5% to 45.4 million by 2026, slower than the 1.7% CAGR in last year’s 10-year projection

    . Cord-Shaving Worries: Mounting anxiety around reduced spending on multi-channel video has been most evident in the advanced services. Combining basic cable and advanced services, SNL Kagan anticipates total revenues generated from residential video services to fall at a CAGR of -0.5% over the next 10 years, totally $55 billion annually in 2026

    . Advertising Strength: Despite a decline in net subscribers, net advertising revenue is expected to grow at a 4.3% CAGR through 2026 to reach $6.3 billion

    “Like many industries, cable isn’t immune to shifting preferences, but continued growth in broadband may propel revenue growth on both the residential and commercial end,” said Tony Lenoir and Ian Olgeirson, the SNL Kagan researchers behind the report. “Despite ongoing declines in video, the next 10 years look pretty good for this sector.”

  • SNL Kagan says US cable TV will be robust despite decline in video

    SNL Kagan says US cable TV will be robust despite decline in video

    MUMBAI: The naysayers have been making a cacophony of sound about the upcoming gradual squeezing out of life of the US cable TV sector. They have been citing the rampant cord-cutting, slimming down of bundles and the explosion in cheaper alternative OTT services as clear indicators that the countdown clock is ticking away.

    But long time cable TV bellwether SNL Kagan, a part of S&P Global Market Intelligence says that things are looking cheery enough for US operators. 

    A recent report by it indicates that the industry’s broadband advantage and bundling stance will enhance revenues from 2016 to 2026. The revised cable forecast incorporates a slightly improved outlook for the video segment and continued upside for the broadband services, which will translate into revenue growth.

    Kagan states that residential revenues are projected to increase from $108.38 billion in 2016 to $117.7 billion in 2026, or $9.32 billion over the 10-year interval. Contributions from commercial services will help push total industry revenue from $130.57 billion in 2016 to $140.99 billion in 2016, or $10.42 billion over the 10-year period.

    Following are some additional highlights from SNL Kagan’s 10-Year Cable Projections:

    . Subscriber Growth: Broadband subscriptions are forecast to swell by more than eight  million  over the next 10 years, reaching 71 million, and coming in at more than 1.6x the number of video subscriptions

    . Less Dramatic Decline: Basic video subscriptions are projected to drop by an annual compounded growth (CAGR) rate of 1.5% to 45.4 million by 2026, slower than the 1.7% CAGR in last year’s 10-year projection

    . Cord-Shaving Worries: Mounting anxiety around reduced spending on multi-channel video has been most evident in the advanced services. Combining basic cable and advanced services, SNL Kagan anticipates total revenues generated from residential video services to fall at a CAGR of -0.5% over the next 10 years, totally $55 billion annually in 2026

    . Advertising Strength: Despite a decline in net subscribers, net advertising revenue is expected to grow at a 4.3% CAGR through 2026 to reach $6.3 billion

    “Like many industries, cable isn’t immune to shifting preferences, but continued growth in broadband may propel revenue growth on both the residential and commercial end,” said Tony Lenoir and Ian Olgeirson, the SNL Kagan researchers behind the report. “Despite ongoing declines in video, the next 10 years look pretty good for this sector.”