ITV

Category: Cable TV

  • Hathway launches new music and movie channels

    Hathway launches new music and movie channels

    MUMBAI: Hathway has launched a series of four new channels in the music & movie genres as they set on an ambitious roadmap to create a robust bouquet of channels which will offer Hathway subscribers, the best of entertainment package exclusively.

    The four new channels- Djay, Lamhe, Home Theatre and Marathi Talkies have been designed and packaged in a new vibrant, dynamic and cutting-edge look providing a sophisticated, satellite-like experience to Hathway subscribers, thus, offering them wide array of content with a fresh appeal.

    In the present day & age where consumer demands are growing and content is becoming accessible across multiple platforms, several broadcasters have been launching channels in different genres to cater to varied audiences and increasing reach. It is very rare for a TV platform, especially, a digital Cable platform to come out with contemporary channels which offer the best, customised content in a way which appeals to mass segments of consumers. Hathway is one of the only large MSOs that consist of a series of in-house channels, both pan-India as well as regionally. The launch of these 4 new channels adds to the strong existing line-up and with its distinctive approach& innovation in design, content & technology, Hathway is changing the way cable channels are perceived by giving it a contemporary, modern look which can match & compete with any of the satellite channels.

    DJAY-Music Redefined and Lamhe-Music Forever are the music channels from the Hathway stable which will bring the best of new and old melodies to music-lovers. While DJAY is Infinite, Young & Energetic bringing latest Bollywood tracks from the 2000 era which will appeal to the Gen-X,LAMHE brings back the old melodious flavour in a new-age persona by reliving the golden era of 50’s to 80’s.Moving on from the music genre, the 2 new movies channels- HOME THEATRE-Entertainment Recharged & MARATHI TALKIES-Cinema Aaplapacks the best blockbusters from Hindi & Marathi cinema, respectively.  With its slick and youthful packaging, HOME THEATRE will provide the best &latest moviesfrom multiple genres like action, romance, thriller, comedy, family etc. The new entrant, MARATHI TALKIESinspired by the warm, rustic, earthy yet colourful Marathi flavour will offer the best of old & new Marathi movies.

    Commenting on the launch of the new channels,  Hathway Cable & Datacom managing director & CEO Jagdish Kumar said, “As we move ahead to build the Hathway brand and achieve our business objectives, we have set another big milestone to launch a dedicated bouquet of channels which will redefine the way consumers look at Digital Cable channels. These 4 new channels are a start to our endeavor of creating a strong bouquet in multiple genres which will add a new dimension to Hathway and offer varied content to our loyal subscribers.”

    With the digitization era moving ahead towards its sunset and fast-changing trends, consumers are looking at new avenues to consume entertainment content. Some of the best international channels in the entertainment, movies, kids, sports and other domains are built on insights of how a consumer associates with the channels as a personal tool for entertainment, in terms of its style, quality and efficacy of content. Hathways’ new channels have been designed on this very insight that content packaged in the right way and with technology upgrade is the new mantra to bringing consumers closer to entertainment. To build hype and buzz about the channels, Hathway has launched teasers campaigns both offline and online and will be doing a series of marketing activities in the coming days across Print, TV (internal and cross), Digital, PR and OOH to create consumer and trade awareness.

    Hathway Cable & Datacom Video business president T.S. Panesar said, “With DJAY, LAMHE, HOME THEATRE, MARATHI TALKIES, we have started on an aggressive journey to create a potent line-up which will match the best of satellite channels and offer similar experience to our consumers. We are changing the face of cable channels in India by investing in content, technology, design, aesthetics, packagingwhich is young & dynamic and appeals to younger audiences. These channels will add a new dimension to our business, giving us an edge over competition and help us grow to the next level. Very soon, we will reposition & rebrand the entire existing stable of channels to have a strong family. ”

    From today, 25th April, DJAY, LAMHE and HOME THEATRE will be available across the country for Hathway subscribers while MARATHI TALKIES can be enjoyed only by audiences in Maharashtra. The channels will be available on FTA basis for now and part of the BST and Prime packs. The company is also working aggressively to build strong revenue from advertising sales and subscription in days to come.

     

  • Hathway launches new music and movie channels

    Hathway launches new music and movie channels

    MUMBAI: Hathway has launched a series of four new channels in the music & movie genres as they set on an ambitious roadmap to create a robust bouquet of channels which will offer Hathway subscribers, the best of entertainment package exclusively.

    The four new channels- Djay, Lamhe, Home Theatre and Marathi Talkies have been designed and packaged in a new vibrant, dynamic and cutting-edge look providing a sophisticated, satellite-like experience to Hathway subscribers, thus, offering them wide array of content with a fresh appeal.

    In the present day & age where consumer demands are growing and content is becoming accessible across multiple platforms, several broadcasters have been launching channels in different genres to cater to varied audiences and increasing reach. It is very rare for a TV platform, especially, a digital Cable platform to come out with contemporary channels which offer the best, customised content in a way which appeals to mass segments of consumers. Hathway is one of the only large MSOs that consist of a series of in-house channels, both pan-India as well as regionally. The launch of these 4 new channels adds to the strong existing line-up and with its distinctive approach& innovation in design, content & technology, Hathway is changing the way cable channels are perceived by giving it a contemporary, modern look which can match & compete with any of the satellite channels.

    DJAY-Music Redefined and Lamhe-Music Forever are the music channels from the Hathway stable which will bring the best of new and old melodies to music-lovers. While DJAY is Infinite, Young & Energetic bringing latest Bollywood tracks from the 2000 era which will appeal to the Gen-X,LAMHE brings back the old melodious flavour in a new-age persona by reliving the golden era of 50’s to 80’s.Moving on from the music genre, the 2 new movies channels- HOME THEATRE-Entertainment Recharged & MARATHI TALKIES-Cinema Aaplapacks the best blockbusters from Hindi & Marathi cinema, respectively.  With its slick and youthful packaging, HOME THEATRE will provide the best &latest moviesfrom multiple genres like action, romance, thriller, comedy, family etc. The new entrant, MARATHI TALKIESinspired by the warm, rustic, earthy yet colourful Marathi flavour will offer the best of old & new Marathi movies.

    Commenting on the launch of the new channels,  Hathway Cable & Datacom managing director & CEO Jagdish Kumar said, “As we move ahead to build the Hathway brand and achieve our business objectives, we have set another big milestone to launch a dedicated bouquet of channels which will redefine the way consumers look at Digital Cable channels. These 4 new channels are a start to our endeavor of creating a strong bouquet in multiple genres which will add a new dimension to Hathway and offer varied content to our loyal subscribers.”

    With the digitization era moving ahead towards its sunset and fast-changing trends, consumers are looking at new avenues to consume entertainment content. Some of the best international channels in the entertainment, movies, kids, sports and other domains are built on insights of how a consumer associates with the channels as a personal tool for entertainment, in terms of its style, quality and efficacy of content. Hathways’ new channels have been designed on this very insight that content packaged in the right way and with technology upgrade is the new mantra to bringing consumers closer to entertainment. To build hype and buzz about the channels, Hathway has launched teasers campaigns both offline and online and will be doing a series of marketing activities in the coming days across Print, TV (internal and cross), Digital, PR and OOH to create consumer and trade awareness.

    Hathway Cable & Datacom Video business president T.S. Panesar said, “With DJAY, LAMHE, HOME THEATRE, MARATHI TALKIES, we have started on an aggressive journey to create a potent line-up which will match the best of satellite channels and offer similar experience to our consumers. We are changing the face of cable channels in India by investing in content, technology, design, aesthetics, packagingwhich is young & dynamic and appeals to younger audiences. These channels will add a new dimension to our business, giving us an edge over competition and help us grow to the next level. Very soon, we will reposition & rebrand the entire existing stable of channels to have a strong family. ”

    From today, 25th April, DJAY, LAMHE and HOME THEATRE will be available across the country for Hathway subscribers while MARATHI TALKIES can be enjoyed only by audiences in Maharashtra. The channels will be available on FTA basis for now and part of the BST and Prime packs. The company is also working aggressively to build strong revenue from advertising sales and subscription in days to come.

     

  • DAS: Total number of provisional MSO licence holders rises to 596, taking total to over 825

    DAS: Total number of provisional MSO licence holders rises to 596, taking total to over 825

    NEW DELHI: 22 April: Even as the digital addressable system comes under a cloud with cases of extension getting transferred to Delhi High Court, the government has cleared 35 multi system operators for provisional licences in the first twenty days of this month and took the total to 827 including 231 which have ten-year licences.

    The last list issued as on 31 March had put the total at 792 including the 231 which have permanent (ten-year) licences.

    The Information and Broadcasting had by 12 January cancelled the licences of 26 MSOs and closed their cases.

    According to the list issued today but dated till 21 April, the areas of operation of two MSOs have been revised or amended in the past three weeks.

    Unlike the last list, two of the MSOs have got pan-India licences while the others are for specific states or districts in respective states. The new registrations are from Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Tripura, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Odisha, Chhatisgarh, Telangana, 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. 

    Sources denied that denial of security clearance was the reason for provisional licences and said many MSOs holding provisional licences had not completed certain formalities relating to shareholders and so on.

     

  • DAS: Total number of provisional MSO licence holders rises to 596, taking total to over 825

    DAS: Total number of provisional MSO licence holders rises to 596, taking total to over 825

    NEW DELHI: 22 April: Even as the digital addressable system comes under a cloud with cases of extension getting transferred to Delhi High Court, the government has cleared 35 multi system operators for provisional licences in the first twenty days of this month and took the total to 827 including 231 which have ten-year licences.

    The last list issued as on 31 March had put the total at 792 including the 231 which have permanent (ten-year) licences.

    The Information and Broadcasting had by 12 January cancelled the licences of 26 MSOs and closed their cases.

    According to the list issued today but dated till 21 April, the areas of operation of two MSOs have been revised or amended in the past three weeks.

    Unlike the last list, two of the MSOs have got pan-India licences while the others are for specific states or districts in respective states. The new registrations are from Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Tripura, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Odisha, Chhatisgarh, Telangana, 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. 

    Sources denied that denial of security clearance was the reason for provisional licences and said many MSOs holding provisional licences had not completed certain formalities relating to shareholders and so on.

     

  • Hathway CCN to launch 48 HD channels in Chhattisgarh

    Hathway CCN to launch 48 HD channels in Chhattisgarh

    MUMBAI: Hathway CCN will be setting up a digital head-end in the state of Chhattisgarh and becoming one of the first MSOs in the country to launch and offer 48 HD channels to digital cable subscribers across the entire state.

    Hathway CCN, which has major, dominant operations across Chhattisgarh, will be offering a wide array of digital services and channels through the new head-end which would provide high-quality and best in class experience to its cable subscribers.

    Speaking on the launch of the new digital head-end,  Hathway CCN director Abhishek Agrawal  said, “This is the first amongst the many digital head-ends which will be installed across Chhattisgarh and the re-distribution of 48 HD channels is yet another progressive step taken by us to express our commitment and dedication to offering the best entertainment to our consumers. As an organization, we are continuously working and reinventing our services to match the growing demands of our subscribers.”

    At a time, when MSOs across the country are working aggressively towards completion of the digitization mandates, such initiatives are a welcome move across stakeholders, subscribers, LCOs, broadcasters and will strengthen and boost consumer confidence as they seek cutting-edge entertainment experience from digital cable.

    Agrawal further added, “We understand the dynamics of committing to such services, especially, when we serve multiple locations from one head-end, but this is the need of the hour to remain competitive and grow. Next in line, would be our value added and high speed broadband services which will provide a potent combination of entertainment services to our consumers.”

    As the cable industry moves towards the end of the digitization phase, providing strong, digital quality entertainment to subscribers would be the big move that will make the industry take the next leap.

  • Hathway CCN to launch 48 HD channels in Chhattisgarh

    Hathway CCN to launch 48 HD channels in Chhattisgarh

    MUMBAI: Hathway CCN will be setting up a digital head-end in the state of Chhattisgarh and becoming one of the first MSOs in the country to launch and offer 48 HD channels to digital cable subscribers across the entire state.

    Hathway CCN, which has major, dominant operations across Chhattisgarh, will be offering a wide array of digital services and channels through the new head-end which would provide high-quality and best in class experience to its cable subscribers.

    Speaking on the launch of the new digital head-end,  Hathway CCN director Abhishek Agrawal  said, “This is the first amongst the many digital head-ends which will be installed across Chhattisgarh and the re-distribution of 48 HD channels is yet another progressive step taken by us to express our commitment and dedication to offering the best entertainment to our consumers. As an organization, we are continuously working and reinventing our services to match the growing demands of our subscribers.”

    At a time, when MSOs across the country are working aggressively towards completion of the digitization mandates, such initiatives are a welcome move across stakeholders, subscribers, LCOs, broadcasters and will strengthen and boost consumer confidence as they seek cutting-edge entertainment experience from digital cable.

    Agrawal further added, “We understand the dynamics of committing to such services, especially, when we serve multiple locations from one head-end, but this is the need of the hour to remain competitive and grow. Next in line, would be our value added and high speed broadband services which will provide a potent combination of entertainment services to our consumers.”

    As the cable industry moves towards the end of the digitization phase, providing strong, digital quality entertainment to subscribers would be the big move that will make the industry take the next leap.

  • American Tower Corporation closes Viom acquisition

    American Tower Corporation closes Viom acquisition

    MUMBAI: American Tower Corporation announced that it has closed its previously announced acquisition of a 51 per cent controlling ownership interest in Viom Networks Limited (Viom), an owner and operator of over 42,000 communications sites in India. With this acquisition, ATC will own 57,000 towers in India.

    The total consideration for the acquisition consisted of a cash payment of approximately Rs 76 billion (Rs 7,600 crore) as well as the assumption of approximately Rs 51 billion (Rs 5,100 crore) in existing rupee-denominated debt. American Tower used borrowings under its existing revolving credit facilities as well as cash on hand to satisfy the cash portion of the purchase price.

    Commenting on the acquisition, American Tower Asia executive president and president for Asia, Amit Sharma  said, “The acquisition of Viom makes us the leading independent telecom infrastructure provider and will allow us better serve our customers as they expand their 3G/4G network reach and capacity. It will also enable us to play a key role in providing critical communications real estate and vital passive telecom infrastructure essential to the Indian government’s Digital India Initiative.”

  • American Tower Corporation closes Viom acquisition

    American Tower Corporation closes Viom acquisition

    MUMBAI: American Tower Corporation announced that it has closed its previously announced acquisition of a 51 per cent controlling ownership interest in Viom Networks Limited (Viom), an owner and operator of over 42,000 communications sites in India. With this acquisition, ATC will own 57,000 towers in India.

    The total consideration for the acquisition consisted of a cash payment of approximately Rs 76 billion (Rs 7,600 crore) as well as the assumption of approximately Rs 51 billion (Rs 5,100 crore) in existing rupee-denominated debt. American Tower used borrowings under its existing revolving credit facilities as well as cash on hand to satisfy the cash portion of the purchase price.

    Commenting on the acquisition, American Tower Asia executive president and president for Asia, Amit Sharma  said, “The acquisition of Viom makes us the leading independent telecom infrastructure provider and will allow us better serve our customers as they expand their 3G/4G network reach and capacity. It will also enable us to play a key role in providing critical communications real estate and vital passive telecom infrastructure essential to the Indian government’s Digital India Initiative.”

  • Reliance Jio to delay its commercial roll out till December

    Reliance Jio to delay its commercial roll out till December

    MUMBAI: The onslaught might take a little while before it revs itself for a decimating run in the Indian telecom ecosystem.’The world’s most expensive start-up entailing an initial investment of Rs.1.5 trillion – Reliance Jio’, as termed by Reliance Industries  chairman Mukesh Ambani who has a revolutionary vision of  digitising the entire country to get its people to use the internet. Reliance Jio 4G services were launched for the employees and privileged personalities in December last year (2015). At that time speculations were rife that the company would roll out its commercial services in early April, though the company did not release any official statement indicating the launch date.

    As per information available with Indiantelevision.com, Reliance’s 4G services are likely to launch in December 2016. A source close to the development informs, “They are planning the commercial roll out this December. There are many factors which are evolving and the launch will take time. Before the commercial roll-out there will be phases of soft launches in various regions to conduct a test run in each and every region.”

    Reliance Jio’s immediate target will be the premium consumers of other networks. Research says that consumers with spends of Rs 300 per month and above are most vulnerable to poaching by the Jio onslaught. The biggest player in the Indian telecom ecosystem,  Airtel has 89 per cent of its 250 million subscribers that use feature phones or smartphones only for calls and not data. Hence the ring fencing will happen for the 11 per cent of the premium consumers. “Airtel is planning to counter Jio with its own weapons,” says a veteran in the telecom industry. He further adds, “Jio will roll out combo plans where voice calls and SMS services will be offered for free or at cheap prices. It will also package 4G services with mobile devices. In the initial stages it will roll out many lucrative offers to poach consumers.”

    When contacted, the corporate communications team of Reliance Jio refused to offer any comments. “We have not declared any date and hence there is no question of postponements or delays,” the team said.

    One of the vendors that provides technical assistance to Reliance Jio asserts, “The internal declaration to roll out in December is primarily to ensure maximum reach. Availability and affordability are key factors which the company is not ready to compromise with. Moreover there will be an aggressive marketing plan to back the launch, so overall its a strategic move to wait till December.”

    Driven by strong adoption of data consumption on handheld devices, the total mobile services market revenue in India is expected to touch US$ 37 billion in 2017, registering a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2 per cent between 2014 and 2017, according to research firm IDC.

    According to a Telecom Regulatory of India (TRAI) press release, as of 31 January 2016,India’s mobile subscriber base has crossed the one billion mark. A study by GSMA says that smartphones are expected to account for two out of every three mobile connections globally by 2020 making India the fourth largest smartphone market.The broadband services user-base in India is expected to grow to 250 million connections by 2017, says GSMA.

    The opportunity is huge, and will benefit the ultimate user, given the poor quality of intermittent 4G data services that are being offered by the players in the market at present.

  • Reliance Jio to delay its commercial roll out till December

    Reliance Jio to delay its commercial roll out till December

    MUMBAI: The onslaught might take a little while before it revs itself for a decimating run in the Indian telecom ecosystem.’The world’s most expensive start-up entailing an initial investment of Rs.1.5 trillion – Reliance Jio’, as termed by Reliance Industries  chairman Mukesh Ambani who has a revolutionary vision of  digitising the entire country to get its people to use the internet. Reliance Jio 4G services were launched for the employees and privileged personalities in December last year (2015). At that time speculations were rife that the company would roll out its commercial services in early April, though the company did not release any official statement indicating the launch date.

    As per information available with Indiantelevision.com, Reliance’s 4G services are likely to launch in December 2016. A source close to the development informs, “They are planning the commercial roll out this December. There are many factors which are evolving and the launch will take time. Before the commercial roll-out there will be phases of soft launches in various regions to conduct a test run in each and every region.”

    Reliance Jio’s immediate target will be the premium consumers of other networks. Research says that consumers with spends of Rs 300 per month and above are most vulnerable to poaching by the Jio onslaught. The biggest player in the Indian telecom ecosystem,  Airtel has 89 per cent of its 250 million subscribers that use feature phones or smartphones only for calls and not data. Hence the ring fencing will happen for the 11 per cent of the premium consumers. “Airtel is planning to counter Jio with its own weapons,” says a veteran in the telecom industry. He further adds, “Jio will roll out combo plans where voice calls and SMS services will be offered for free or at cheap prices. It will also package 4G services with mobile devices. In the initial stages it will roll out many lucrative offers to poach consumers.”

    When contacted, the corporate communications team of Reliance Jio refused to offer any comments. “We have not declared any date and hence there is no question of postponements or delays,” the team said.

    One of the vendors that provides technical assistance to Reliance Jio asserts, “The internal declaration to roll out in December is primarily to ensure maximum reach. Availability and affordability are key factors which the company is not ready to compromise with. Moreover there will be an aggressive marketing plan to back the launch, so overall its a strategic move to wait till December.”

    Driven by strong adoption of data consumption on handheld devices, the total mobile services market revenue in India is expected to touch US$ 37 billion in 2017, registering a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2 per cent between 2014 and 2017, according to research firm IDC.

    According to a Telecom Regulatory of India (TRAI) press release, as of 31 January 2016,India’s mobile subscriber base has crossed the one billion mark. A study by GSMA says that smartphones are expected to account for two out of every three mobile connections globally by 2020 making India the fourth largest smartphone market.The broadband services user-base in India is expected to grow to 250 million connections by 2017, says GSMA.

    The opportunity is huge, and will benefit the ultimate user, given the poor quality of intermittent 4G data services that are being offered by the players in the market at present.