ITV

Category: DTH Operator

  • Airtel Digital TV numbers up

    Airtel Digital TV numbers up

    BENGALURU: Indian telecom player Bharti Airtel Ltd (Airtel) reported 9.5 per cent and 10.7 per cent growth in operating revenue for its Airtel Digital TV Services (Airtel DTH) for the year and quarter ended 31 March 2018 (FY 2017-18; Q4 2017-18), respectively, as compared with the corresponding year ago periods. Airtel DTH’s operating revenue in FY 2017-18 was Rs 3,757 crore while in FY 2016-17 it was Rs 3,430.6 crore. Operating revenue in Q4 2017-18 was Rs 958.5 crore and in Q4 2016-17 it was Rs 865.7 crore.

    The company reported improved EBIDTA for both FY 2017-18 and Q4 2017-18. EBIDTA in FY 2017-18 increased by 16.4 per cent to Rs 1,422.6 crore (37.9 per cent of operating revenue) from Rs 1,221.9 crore (35.6 per cent of operating revenue). EBIDTA for the quarter rose by 17.4 per cent to Rs 370.1 crore (38.6 per cent of operating revenue) from Rs 315.3 crore (36.4 per cent of operating revenue) in the previous year.

    The company has increased its capital expenditure (capex) in FY 2017-18 as compared with the previous year. Total capex increased by 19.4 per cent to Rs 1,027.7 crore from Rs 860.8 crore in the previous year. Cumulative investment in FY 2017-18 was Rs 8,005.7 crore as compared with Rs 7,351.3 crore in FY 2016-17. Capex in Q4 2017-18 increased 48.9 per cent to Rs 206.4 crore as against Rs 138.6 crore in Q4 2016-17.

    Subscriber details

    Airtel reported 14.168 million Airtel DTH subscribers at the end of FY 2017-18. Quarter-on-quarter, its subscribers increased by 0.23 million. The company had reported 12.815 million subscribers at end of Q4 2016-17. Average revenue per user or ARPU for the quarter was Rs 228, the same as in Q4 2016-17, but declined from Rs 233 in the immediate trailing quarter. Monthly churn in Q4 2017-18 was lower at 1.1 per cent as compared with 1.2 per cent in Q4 2016-17 and Q3 2017-18.

    Airtel numbers

    Airtel’s annual consolidated revenue for FY 2017-18 at Rs 83,688 crore declined by 9.8 per cent over the previous year (reported drop of 12.3 per cent) on an underlying basis, led by decline of 11.7 per cent in India. Consolidated EBITDA at Rs 30,448 crore reflects an EBITDA margin of 36.4 per cent as compared with 37.3 per cent in previous year.

    Airtel’s consolidated revenue for Q4 2017-18 at Rs 19,634 crore declined by 5.4 per cent year-over-year (yoy) (reported drop of 10.5 per cent) on an underlying basis. India revenue for the quarter was Rs 14,796 crore shrunk by 7.5 per cent yoy (13.1 per cent on reported) on an underlying basis. Yoy decline was primarily caused by mobile drop of 13.5 per cent says the company. Consolidated EBITDA at Rs 7,034 crore declined 12.0 per cent yoy. Consolidated EBITDA margin decreased by 0.6 per cent to 35.8 per cent in the quarter as against 36.4 per cent.

    Airtel India and South Asia MD and CEO Gopal Vittal said, “The telecom industry continues to witness below cost, artificially suppressed pricing. Industry revenues were further adversely impacted this quarter due to the reduction in international termination rates. Our strategic investments in data capacities, innovative digital content through Airtel TV, customer friendly bundles and upgrade programs led to the highest-ever mobile data customer additions of 15 million during the quarter. Usage parameters remained robust on a yoy basis; we saw data and voice traffic grow 584 per cent and 55 per cent respectively. In line with our goal of building market-leading 4G networks, with best-in-class speeds and capacity; while supporting the digital India initiative, we have ended the financial year with our highest ever capital expenditure of Rs 240 billion. We intend to continue the rollout momentum next year as well.”

    Also Read :

    Airtel Digital TV revenue, PAT and EBITDA up in Q3 2018

    Airtel Digital TV revenues, op profits rise in Q2 FY 2018

    Airtel Digital TV sub base expands, even as ARPUs dip

  • Tata Sky brings Netflix content for customers

    Tata Sky brings Netflix content for customers

    MUMBAI: Streaming giant Netflix and DTH operator Tata sky have entered into a strategic partnership for easy access to a world of content through future Tata Sky platforms.

    “We are delighted to partner with Tata Sky to bring great content under the same roof. With this new partnership and Netflix’s stellar line up of original content from across the world, Tata Sky’s customers will be able to seamlessly access and enjoy all the best entertainment they love in one place,” Netflix global business development head Bill Holmes said.

    Tata Sky subscribers will be able to browse and access the entire Netflix service, including TV shows, films, documentaries, stand-up comedy and kids’ titles. Netflix’s service includes over a thousand hours of ultra HD content, complementing Tata Sky’s extensive high-quality programming.

    “Tata Sky’s partnership with Netflix adds another dimension to providing world-wide quality content on-demand for our subscribers. Keeping up with our promise of pioneering innovation, we will soon announce the offering that is possible with this partnership. We are glad to include Netflix in our family and look forward to keep offering an extraordinary entertainment experience to all our subscribers,” Tata Sky CEO Harit Nagpal said.

    Also Read :

    Tata Sky woos new customers with free Star Sports channels

    Indian content at Netflix to be creatively lead by Disney’s Simran Sethi

  • Dish TV sharpens focus on Tamil Nadu

    Dish TV sharpens focus on Tamil Nadu

    MUMBAI: Despite having substantial share across all markets in South India, direct-to-home (DTH) operator Dish TV is currently focusing on Tamil Nadu as the market there affords a big pay TV opportunity. Moreover, the state is also going through digitisation, which has created more avenues for DTH players to increase their subscriber base in the state.

    Recently, Dish TV announced a plan to come up around 30 popular Tamil channels on its platform with an aim to leave customers with wider choice. In an interaction with Indiantelevision.com, Dish TV India SVP marketing Sukhpreet Singh said that Tamil Nadu has always been important for the company and is one of the top markets for the company.

    “We are a major player in every market, including the South Indian market. We have a substantial share in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, too. But we are focusing more on the Tamil market because there is more content available. At this point of time, we are focusing on the Tamil market as it is going through digitisation,” he said when asked about the company’s plan to focus on other South Indian markets.

    However, he said that being a pan-India brand, it is not fair to focus on one market over another. The company keeps figuring out what customers want in a particular state, if there’s need of more content, subscription packages or services. Currently, they are doing this for Tamil Nadu.

    Being a multi-dimensional market, Tamil Nadu has several segments of audience. One of the segment watches Tamil channels only while another one watches other South Indian language channels along with Tamil channels. Then, there are other two segments that demand Hindi and English content. The company tries to reach each of the four segments with subscription packs applicable for a particular segment.

    “We continuously keep coming up with subscription packages; recently, we launched an annual subscription package for Tamil Nadu,” Singh said. The primary means of attracting more users to the platform is providing more content. Along with that, content has to be packaged and priced correctly.

    Through promotional programmes and advertisements, Dish TV wants to keep its customers aware of all the plans. For building up the subscriber base, it is expanding distribution as well.

    “We do unique things. For example, Dish TV is the only brand that provides the option of topping of your pack with single channels also,” he said. “If a customer who basically watches Tamil content and want some English channels, they don’t have to opt for the mega pack. They can pick channels at Rs 8.5 under ‘Mera Apna Pack’ initiative. This initiative has attracted a lot of customers.”

    To increase market share, the long-term strategy is always based on better customer experience. Brand loyalty has a direct bearing on market share.

    “The number of people subscribing to our VAS (value-added services) has increased dramatically,” he added when asked about how VAS was helping Dish TV’s business.

    During the various digitisation phases, Dish TV acquired a number of customers in the state. Now, as the market has matured, like all the brands, Dish TV is also experimenting with new strategies.

  • Reliance Big TV clears dues to Antrix; to resume service shortly

    Reliance Big TV clears dues to Antrix; to resume service shortly

    MUMBAI: Direct-to-home (DTH) operator Reliance Big TV (RBTV) today settled its dues of Rs 28 crore to Antrix Corpo (Antrix) thereby ensuring the immediate resumption of services. The Telecom Disputes Settlement & Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT)’s order has asked Antrix to reinstate RBTV’s services today, according to Pantel Technologies MD Vijender Singh. Pantel had earlier taken over the DTH biz of Anil Amabni Reliance ADA.

    RBTV was using satellite operator MEASAT’s transponders for providing the DTH service. DTH operators in India have to go through Antrix for hiring transponders even from foreign satellite operators.

    Acknowledging the development, Singh said, “This is a win for us. We will resume the services of RBTV shortly.”

    Earlier this month, Antrix had disconnected the transponder service to the DTH operator over non-renewal of agreement and non-payment of outstanding dues. As a result, beginning 15 April, RBTV’s DTH service had come to a standstill. The Rs 28 crore covers the period from October 2017 onwards.

    Last month, the DTH operator, which is now owned by Pantel Technologies and Veecon Television and Media, had asked for grant of one more opportunity on the assurance that it would abide by the time schedule fixed by the TDSAT. The DTH operator had also said that Antrix would be at the liberty to disconnect the service in case of any default.

    Also Read :

    TDSAT allows broadcasters to disconnect signals to RBTV

    Reliance Big DTH to take FTA route under new management?

  • Dish TV unveils hackathon for M&E industry

    Dish TV unveils hackathon for M&E industry

    MUMBAI: Aimed at inviting disruptive ideas, Dish TV India Ltd has announced the launch of Dish-a-thon, a hackathon for the media and entertainment (M&E) industry. The company is inviting tech enthusiasts to develop unique products and create impactful solutions to advance digital transformation for great customer experience.

    “Our latest initiative, Dish-a-thon is aimed at delivering unparalleled customer experiences. We’re thrilled to be leading this never done before initiative in the M&E/broadcast industry, which will provide opportunity for tech enthusiasts to come up with ideas that will re-define technology in the M&E/broadcast industry for the future,” Dish TV India Ltd group CEO Anil Dua said on the launch of Dish-a-thon.

    The event is open for individual teams of developers and startups. DishTV, in collaboration with IncubateIND, will be shortlisting 25 teams for a 30-hour open-format grand finale. It will be organised in Bengaluru on June 16 and in Delhi on June 23, 2018.

    “We are proud to partner Dish TV, the pioneer in the DTH industry in the inaugural year of Dish-a-thon. Dish TV has always been at the forefront of development with its path-breaking initiatives and the most receptive brand that has imbibed innovation in its culture. We really hope that some of the ideas that will come from this Dish-a-thon will be accepted and worked upon by the leadership team of Dish TV,” IncubateIND co-founder Samkit Sharma said.

    While the event is aimed at “young innovators/disruptors/startups/students/developers across India,” participants will get an opportunity to interact with industry experts and work with mentors to co-create and co-develop. The winners will be offered cash prizes and a chance to work with Dish TV.

    “It’s an industry-first initiative being done at this scale and depth that encourages innovation in the DTH industry to introduce fresh ideas to create new products and drive digital transformation. Dish-a-thon will provide a platform to innovators to enhance the present TV-viewing experience and also to sow the seeds for future disruptions in this industry,” Dish TV India Ltd senior vice president (marketing) Sukhpreet Singh said.

    Also Read :

    Dish TV plans to add 30 Tamil channels

    Star India, Dish TV agree on carriage deal

  • Dish TV plans to add 30 Tamil channels

    Dish TV plans to add 30 Tamil channels

    MUMBAI: Direct-to-home (DTH) operator Dish TV has planned to come up with 30 popular Tamil channels on its platform for the customers in Tamil Nadu. This will leave customers with a wider choice of entertainment in their language of comfort.

    “Understanding customer requirement and driving high engagement through our offerings has always been our focus. With the addition of around 30 most popular Tamil channels, we aim to add a new dimension in our products and services and hope our customers will enjoy the fabulous content. At Dish TV, we will continue to work towards customer-centric offerings to drive the highest levels of satisfaction and entertainment,” Dish TV India Ltd senior vice president-marketing Sukhpreet Singh said.

    Currently, leading channels such as Sun TV, STAR Vijay, Zee Tamil, KTV and Colors Tamil exist on the platform’s Tamil language portfolio. The new plan also includes adding more HD channels thereby boosting the company’s ‘HD for all initiative’.

    The company has a distribution network of more than 4,000 distributors and around 400,000 dealers across 9,450 towns in the country.

    Also Read :

    Star India, Dish TV agree on carriage deal

    Dish TV promoter cos offer to buy 26% from public shareholders

  • Star India, Dish TV agree on carriage deal

    Star India, Dish TV agree on carriage deal

    MUMBAI: According to media reports, Star India and Zee-backed DTH operator Dish have buried the hatchet and agreed on a new carriage deal. The matter, it appears, has been settled out of court.

    Even before the disconnection date became effective, the broadcaster had moved Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) seeking directions for Dish TV to do a reference interconnect offer (RIO) deal.

    The petition was filed on 2 April and on 10 April the two parties submitted before the tribunal that they had settled the matter and had agreed to sign a fresh deal.

    “From the submission of learned counsel for the parties, it appears that matter has been settled outside the Court and the agreement is likely to be signed by the end of this month,” the TDSAT said in an order.

    The fresh deal between Star and Dish TV will also include Videocon d2h as the two companies have merged with effect from 22 March.

    Also Read :

    Andrew Jordan resigns as AsiaSat’s ED & CEO

    Cartoon Network HD+ adds Tamil, Telugu feeds

  • Dish TV-Videocon d2h lists GDRs on London stock exchange

    Dish TV-Videocon d2h lists GDRs on London stock exchange

    MUMBAI: When Dish TV-Videocon d2h Ltd announced their merger, a presentation to investors had stated that the merged entity would issue global depository receipts (GDRs) on the Luxembourg exchange. However, probably what it meant was the London stock exchange. Which is what happened last week.

    The world’s second largest pay TV company in terms of subscribers announced on 13 April that 277,095,615 GDRs (each representing a fully paid equity share) have been listed and permitted to trade on the professional securities Market of the London Stock Exchange. These have an approximate value of $315 million while DishTV Videocon d2h has a market cap of $2.2 billion, based on the ordinary shares listed in India.

    This followed the ingestion of Videocon d2h into Dish TV India on 22 March 2018. The former had American depository shares listed on Nasdaq; these stand delisted and have been exchanged for Dish TV’s GDRs.

    Said Dish TV India chairman & managing director Jawahar Goel: “The amalgamation of Videocon d2h and Dish TV has put the new entity on the road to exceptional future growth and profitability. Having London Stock Exchange as a partner in that journey will make it much more rewarding. We now look forward to leading the DTH industry in India to the next level.”

    Dish TV India group chief executive officer Anil Dua added: “We are extremely pleased to start trading on London Stock Exchange today and increase our visibility to international investors, following the successful completion of the merger between Videocon d2h and Dish TV. The merger and the eventual listing has been long awaited news for many. I wish to put on record here, our commitment to make the new entity reach unprecedented levels of growth and success in the coming years.”

  • Dish TV promoter cos offer to buy 26% from public shareholders

    Dish TV promoter cos offer to buy 26% from public shareholders

    NEW DELHI: The promoter group entities of Dish TV India Ltd (Dish TV) have made an offer to buy an additional 26 per cent equity stake from public shareholders of the direct-to-home (DTH) operator for Rs 3,701 crore.

    According to a release issued to the BSE today, Dish TV promoter entities World Crest Advisors LLP, along with Veena Investments Pvt Ltd and Direct Media Distribution Venture Pvt Ltd, announced an offer to acquire shares of Dish TV at a price of Rs 74 per share.

    The offer is being made to all the shareholders of Dish TV to acquire up to 50.01 crore shares of the company that form 26 per cent of the emerging share capital, payable in cash.

    Last month, the long drawn out merger of Dish TV and Videocon d2h Ltd (Videocon d2h) finally came to pass. The combined entity, to be named Dish TV Videocon, will have approximately 29 million subscribers, making it the second largest DTH company in the world. There was a halt in the merger scheme about three months ago when Dish TV wanted Videocon d2h to clarify some of the insolvency proceedings against it.

    Also Read:

    Videocon d2h, Dish TV merger comes to fruition

    Dish TV announces fresh Videocon d2h Nasdaq delisting date

  • TDSAT allows broadcasters to disconnect signals to RBTV

    TDSAT allows broadcasters to disconnect signals to RBTV

    MUMBAI: The Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) has withdrawn the interim protection granted to direct-to-home (DTH) operator Reliance Big TV (RBTV) by allowing broadcasters to disconnect signals for non-payment of dues.

    The TDSAT order comes as a big blow for the DTH operator, which is already facing the threat of disconnection of feeds to RBTV by Antrix Corporation, which leases satellite capacity on behalf of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), on April 14th unless its bills are met

    Star India, ZEEL and Sun TV Network have already disconnected signals to RBTV as it has failed to the clear the outstanding dues for months.

    The tribunal’s order means that other broadcasters involved in the matter can disconnect signals to Reliance Big TV in light of the withdrawal of the interim protection.

    The other broadcasters involved in the matter include Discovery Communications India, Sony Pictures Networks Distribution India, India Cast Media Distribution, ABP News Network, and Bennett Coleman & Company Ltd (BCCL).

    “In view of earlier orders giving repeated opportunities to the respondent, we are of the considered view that it may not be in the interest of justice to continue the interim direction against the petitioners. If such interim directions are continued, the amount of dues will be in excess of the amounts for which the petitioner had approached this Tribunal. Hence, the interim protection in favour of the respondents stands withdrawn,” the TDSAT said in its order.

    The tribunal further noted that it will be open for the broadcasters to continue or not to continue with the supply of signals to the DTH operator on the basis of their individual understanding.

    “If there is any remarkable change in the situation, parties will be at liberty to seek interim direction otherwise all these petitions shall be made ready for hearing on the issue of recovery of the money claims,” the tribunal stated.

    It also asked the DTH company to file their reply in all the claims for recovery within five weeks. Time for rejoinder will be considered on the next date. The matter has been posted under the same head on 11 May.

    The DTH operator had assured the tribunal in February that it will settle the claims of all the broadcasters within four weeks. It owes more than Rs 100 crore to multiple broadcasters.