Category: DTH

Apollo’s 3% stake sale in Dish TV earns it a profit of Rs 135 crore

MUMBAI: US based alternative assets manager Apollo Global Management part sold its three per cent stake in direct to home (DTH) operator Dish TV for Rs 262.5 crore, through an open market transaction on 10 April.

The stake comprising 32 million shares of an average price close to Rs 82, as compared to their original purchasing price of approximately Rs 39, was picked up by an investment unit of Citigroup and a mutual fund under Birla Sun Life.

With the sale purchase, Apollo will see a profit of Rs 135 crore. The Private Equity (PE) firm is now left with eight per cent stake in the company through its outstanding global outstanding depository receipts (GDR). This stake is valued at Rs 721 crore.

It was in 2009 when the PE firm invested $100 million to gain an 11 per cent stake in the company, which was the firm’s first investment in the country. Dish TV is part of the Subhash Chandra owned Zee Network with approximately 12.5 million net subscribers. With a strong range of 470 television and audio channels, it has 43 High Definition (HD) channels under its kitty. For the quarter ending 31 December, 2014 the company’s net loss stood at Rs 2.9 crore.

Meanwhile the ESSEL group through its continuation of an earlier intimation dated 26 August last year, informed the BSE that the Board of Directors of the Company at their meeting held on August had considered and approved to transfer the Company’s non-core business (including set top boxes, dish antenna, and related services) to its Wholly Owned Subsidiary – ‘Xingmedia Distribution Private Limited’ (presently known as ‘Dish Infra Services Private Limited), subject to necessary approvals and as per the applicable provision of the Companies Act, 2013.

April 11, 2015
DTH operators gear up to woo new customers during IPL

MUMBAI: Will Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) continue its winning streak from last year or will there be another team that will be crowned as this year’s champions in the Indian Premier League (IPL). While a billion people mull over what the final outcome of the cricket tourney will be, Indian direct to home (DTH) operators are not far behind from milking the multibillion dollar sports property.

When quizzed about how the IPL was aiding operators in getting subscriptions, Tata Sky CEO Harit Nagpal says, “Any activity or event like the IPL generates viewer interest. This viewer interest is important and critical in adding subscriptions. But our pricing and such events are independent of each other. People are likely to follow the event and therefore make a purchase.”

Agreeing with him, Sun Direct CEO Mahesh Kumar reasons, “IPL is a fantastic form of cricket that is full of entertainment. Given that we are at the forefront in providing entertainment, the IPL fits in well.”

Kumar is of the opinion that customers coming back from the exam season will definitely be keen to latch on to new connections from Sun Direct as they are providing IPL on Sony Six free to new customers as an incentive. The operator will also provide the IPL add-on free for customers, who recharge beyond six months.

“We see the IPL as a good tool to win back customers and improve our recharges substantially. We also have an add-on for Rs 44, which allows customers to watch the T20 matches for the entire duration of the tournament, apart from the a la carte of Sony Six and Set Max,” he adds.

Dish TV came on board as the official partner for Shah Rukh Khan’s KKR for a fourth time now. The association is a good brand fix as Khan is also the brand ambassador for the DTH operator. The logo of Dish TV will be prominently featured on the non-lead arm of KKR players’ jersey.

“SRK believes in enthralling his audience with quality and consistent entertainment, which is the same philosophy that we at Dish TV believe in. Kolkata has always been a very important market for us and over the years we have been working with the eastern region for trade and consumer engagement activities,” opines Dish TV COO Salil Kapoor.

Kapoor is hopeful that the IPL will bring in added subscriptions. According to him, with cricket fans across the globe, TV sales are likely to see a jump, which in turn will generate a demand for HD channels. “Shah Rukh’s connect and the fact that Dish TV has a strong bouquet of 41 HD channels will help in increasing brand equity, which in turn will result in good sales for us during this IPL,” Kapoor adds.

When asked about the company’s plans during the IPL, Kapoor informs that the ethos behind their brand – i.e. fuelling the passion for entertainment – is to ensure that it goes beyond sports. “This special package is customized to suit the needs of every member of the family. Keeping this in mind, we have introduced the Cricket + package. Our HD channels’ offering is the highest in the industry at present,” he says.

Videocon d2h too has continued its association as the principal sponsor for the Mumbai Indians franchise for the third continuous season of the IPL. The logo of Videocon d2h will feature on the front of the jersey of Mumbai Indians players. Speaking about the same, Videocon d2h CEO Anil Khera says, “We are hopeful of garnering greater visibility for our brand and are looking forward to another eventful year through this partnership.”

Airtel Digital TV has launched various schemes for its customers during this IPL. A company spokesperson informs that for all customers buying Samsung Curve and UHD TV, Airtel Digital TV will offer HD DVR connection at the same cost as that of an HD connection.

“All customers will get discount coupons worth Rs 2650. Customer can enjoy watching the matches on an HD DVR by paying Rs 2350. This box has inbuilt hard disk of 500 GB and customer can enjoy record content up to 750 hours enabling customer to record and watch the matches at a time convenient. Additionally, customers will get free subscription for up to 12 months through a scratch card offer,” informs the spokesperson.

Besides on all other Samsung models, Airtel Digital TV will offer a discount coupon of Rs 660 on its HD+ variant. Additionally customers will get a 8 GB pen drive worth Rs 399 free enabling them to record. Activation charges on Samsung smart direct TVs will be waved off completely.

April 11, 2015
MEASAT 3b active; Sun Direct awaits regulatory clearances

MUMBAI: The MEASAT-3b satellite, which is co-located at 91.5 degree, has now finally gained the status of being active. However, Sun Group’s direct to home (DTH) arm Sun Direct is still in the process of getting regulatory clearances. The DTH operator will soon be able to avail the benefits that the satellite will offer.

Speaking to Indiantelevision.com Sun Direct CEO Mahesh Kumar says, “We are still in the process of getting all the regulatory clearances.”

In may be recalled that in May last year, Sun Direct was looking at adding nine more transponders from its current four, to increase its High Definition (HD) and Standard Definition (SD) channel capacity. However, the delay in the launch of MEASAT-3b satellite that was to enable Sun Direct help add the additional transponders played spoilt sport. The satellite which was set for launch on 6 June 2014 (7 June Kuala Lumpur time), was postponed after the manufacturer of the MEASAT-3b co-passenger requested time for repairs to their satellite.

In September 2014, Ariane 5 ECA successfully launched two communications satellites Optus 10 and MEASAT 3b. MEASAT 3b, which is equipped with 48 high-power Ku-band transponders would enable DTH services not just in India but also Malaysia, Indonesia and Australia. It would be serving more than 18 million households, according to Measat.

Kumar had previously stated that with the extra capacity, the operator’s current HD offering would go up to 30 and expected the number of SD channels to go up to 350.

April 11, 2015
Tata Sky introduces first ever daily recharge voucher

MUMBAI: In yet another first, DTH operator Tata Sky has introduced the first ever daily recharge voucher empowering subscribers to pay only for the days they watched TV. This pioneering concept allows a minimum recharge value starting at Rs 8, making it the smallest denomination of recharge voucher in the television viewing sector globally.

This innovation by Tata Sky puts the subscriber in control of his/her TV viewing expenses. There are a substantial number of subscribers who pay a monthly charge, but for some reason or another are unable to view TV on a daily basis.

Tata Sky’s daily recharge enables them to now choose when to pay for their TV viewing. For a large part of the population, they can economize and re-charge their set top box on days when electricity is available, or when they are back from vacation. Similarly, they can decide on days when not to recharge for example during exam days or when travelling away from home.

Tata Sky MD and CEO Harit Nagpal said, “We are confident that the introduction of Tata Sky’s ‘Daily Recharge’ will gain traction across the nation. The ‘Daily Recharge’ option available at Rs 8, 10, 20, 50 and 100 enables us to put power in the consumer’s hands to choose their level of convenience. It also elevates the DTH sector by redefining the pace of digitization and reach to markets nationwide.”

With the understanding that there is a demand in smaller towns and villages for bite sized consumption (much like shampoo sachets and small sized mobile recharges), the ‘Daily Recharge’ card enables Tata Sky to make inroads into these untapped markets. Moreover, with digitization phase III still a year away, this plan should help accelerate acceptance of DTH sector in India.

April 9, 2015
Videocon d2h rings opening bell at Nasdaq

MUMBAI: Direct to home (DTH) operator Videocon d2h has become the first Indian media company to ring the opening bell at Nasdaq stock market in New York on 7 April.

The DTH operator has with this become the first Indian private company since 2000 to list overseas, issuing ADR worth $325 million to the public.

To mark the celebrations, member of parliament, India Rajkumar Dhoot and Videocon d2h managing director Saurabh Dhoot visited the Nasdaq market site at Times Square and rang the symbolic opening bell.

At an approx market cap of $1.15 billion, Videocon d2h has become the most valued Indian company at Nasdaq.

Saurabh Dhoot said, “Our listing on the Nasdaq Stock Exchange is a major corporate milestone for the entire Indian media industry not just Videocon d2h and a testament to the tremendous progress we have made under the Digital India vision of our Prime Minister. This is the success of thousands of Videocon d2h employees working tirelessly and our customers who believed in our brand, product and services. We have just begun…”

As reported earlier by indiantelevision.com, the DTH operator had decided to withdraw its Rs 700 crore Initial Public Offer (IPO) proposal since the company is looking to start the process afresh.

April 7, 2015
Videocon d2h withdraws IPO application; Dhoot to visit Nasdaq

MUMBAI: The direct to home (DTH) arm of Videocon group, Videocon d2h has decided to withdraw its Rs 700 crore Initial Public Offer (IPO) proposal since the company is looking to start the process afresh.

In September 2014, the company had decided to file draft offer documents with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). However, Videocon d2h, through its lead banker Axis Capital, withdrew the documents on 27 March.

Meanwhile, Videocon d2h executive director Saurabh Dhoot along with Silver Eagle chairman and CEO Harry Sloan will visit the Nasdaq Market Site in Times Square and will ring the Opening Bell 7 April at 9:15 am to 9:30 am ET (6:45 pm IST).

The operator had completed its initial listing on the Nasdaq Global Select Market through a business combination transaction with Silver Eagle Acquisition Corp, which is founded by Harry Sloan and Jeff Sagansky, pursuant to which Silver Eagle contributed approximately $273.3 million to Videocon d2h in exchange for equity shares of the operator which was represented by American Depositary Shares (ADSs), which were distributed to Silver Eagle’s stockholders. Public trading of the Videocon d2h ADSs on Nasdaq under the ticker ‘VDTH’ commenced at the opening of trading on 1 April this year.

On the day of the opening, the approximately $37.75 million Videocon d2h ADSs issued to Silver Eagle stockholders were valued at approximately $453 million based on the opening price of $12 per ADS on Nasdaq. Silver Eagle’s capital infusion in the operator represents one of the largest platform investment deals in Indian media by US investors.

Sloan based on reports had stated that US investor interest in the transaction has been strong as it affords US investors the opportunity to participate early in the US listing of Videocon d2h. “It is the fastest growing DTH Pay-TV operator in India and the fastest growing pay TV market in the world. Beyond this very significant organic growth, we will be exploring numerous possibilities for the company to expand as a force in India’s developing media business,” Sloan had remarked.

The regulator SEBI in February, had decided to keep the processing of the company’s offer document in “abeyance” following a request made by Videocon d2h in this regard. The company was looking at garnering Rs 50 crore through a pre-IPO placement of its shares to institutional investors, according to media reports. The funds were to be used for acquiring set-top boxes (STBs), outdoor units and accessories thereof, repayment/prepayment of certain indebtedness and general corporate purposes. In December 2012 too it had filed draft documents under the name ‘Bharat Business Channel’ with Sebi to raise Rs 700 crore through an IPO. But the company did not launch the same due to bad market conditions.

April 7, 2015
Tata Sky doubles pace of team handling service disruption complaints

MUMBAI: Direct to home (DTH) operator Tata Sky has been having sleepless nights in order to ensure that services are restored soon to its customers, who have been impacted by disruption in signals.

According to Tata Sky CEO Harit Nagpal, the services will be restored in a couple of days. “Around 25,000 of our one crore customers have been experiencing disruption. This is because of our technology upgrade, which we undertake every three months. It is an ongoing process,” Nagpal tells Indiantelevision.com.

The process is being undertaken to ensure that the DTH operator’s customers receive enhanced services. Nagpal further informs that the company is working hard to reach out to the affected 25,000 customers. The upgrade is being undertaken for technology compression purposes to enhance the channel carrying capacity of the operator.

“Our services continue. They have not been impacted. We have also doubled the pace of our team handling the complaints. During the entire weekend, nobody slept,” states Nagpal when queried about them reaching out to customers experiencing the disruption in services.

While a similar disruption had impacted close to 17,000 customers of Tata Sky last month, Nagpal says that this time around, the company had informed its audiences well in advance by coming up with a campaign on television.

Customers facing signal issues have also been asked to give a missed call on 0 88998 88998 or SMS ‘NS’ to 56633 on the operator’s website.

April 6, 2015
Airtel Digital TV unveils three-pronged strategy for growth

MUMBAI: The Direct To Home (DTH) arm of Bharti Airtel – Airtel Digital TV has reached the 10 million customer mark. The company has achieved the feat within a period of six years. As part of its growth plans ahead, the operator has decided to chalk out three key strategies.

Firstly, the company is all set to add 12 new channels to its bouquet taking its portfolio up to 500 channels and services. In addition, it will also expand the High Definition (HD) portfolio to over 50 HD channels making it one of the largest HD bouquets in the industry. Last but not the least, the operator has also decided to expand the regional portfolio soon to offer the highest number of channels in Assamese, Gujarati, Kannada and Tamil languages.

Airtel Digital TV CEO Shashi Arora said, “Innovation and customer satisfaction is the core of our DNA. As we look back, we take pride in the product and service innovations that we have brought to the industry. These offerings have not only helped increase customer stickiness but have also made us one of the fastest growing DTH companies today. We will continue to go this path and offer customers world class content and television viewing.”

The operator also claims that it was the first to introduce the Universal Remote to the market along with value added services like Multi-lingual EPG, World’s first USSD-based self-care facility on mobile among others. The recently launched Integrated Digital TV (iDTV) was pioneered in partnership with TV manufacturer, the iDTV technology miniaturized set-top-box into a small yet efficient smart card that fit directly at the back panel of television sets with minimal wiring and a single remote thereby offering customers a superior and world class experience adds the operator.

April 1, 2015
Videocon d2h with $1.15 bn market cap set to become most valued Indian co. on NASDAQ

MUMBAI: Videocon d2h has closed the IPO process and is getting listed on NASDAQ, issuing American Depositary Receipt (ADR) worth $325 million to the public with current market cap of $1.15 billion.

Videocon d2h IPO has created several milestones by becoming the first Indian private company since the year 2000 to list overseas, largest Indian IPO in US since 2007 and first sizeable Indian listing on US exchanges since 2010, clearly indicating the renewed global focus on India. The IPO has caught the attention of Top US funds with several multi billion dollar funds investing into the IPO.

At expected market cap of $1.15 billion, Videocon d2h will become the most valued Indian company on Nasdaq.

Videocon d2h managing director Saurabh Dhoot said, “Our listing on the NASDAQ Stock Exchange is a major corporate milestone for the entire Indian media industry not just Videocon d2h and a testament to the tremendous progress we have made under the Digital India vision of our Hon’ble Prime Minister. This is the success of thousands of Videocon d2h employees working tirelessly and our customers who believed in our brand, product and services. We have just begun.”

Videocon d2h has launched many firsts in the Indian DTH industry like the first to launch the 4K Ultra HD Channel, 1000 GB High Definition Digital Video Recorder, Radio Frequency Remote for DTH, Wireless DTH Headphones, 500 channels and services.

March 31, 2015
Bhojpuri channel Anjan TV hops on to Videocon d2h platform

MUMBAI: Bhojpuri entertainment channel Anjan TV is looking at increasing its viewership and as part of this has signed a deal with direct to home (DTH) operator Videocon d2h.

The channel will be available on channel number 861 on the platform. Anjan TV is also available on Airtel Digital TV and all the multi system operator (MSO) platforms in Bihar and Jharkhand.

With this, the channel will be available to 12.8 million households across India as a free-to-air channel. The channel is currently in talks with other DTH operators such as Tata Sky, Reliance DTH, etc.

Carving a niche for itself, the channel offers a programming mix of movies, music, daily soaps, reality, crime, cookery, comedy, travel and lifestyle shows.

“We are delighted to be associated with Videocon d2h and are looking forward to cater to the needs of its subscriber’s base across India. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome and promise a wholesome entertainment to all our new viewers through this platform,” said Anjan TV channel head Anshuman Tripathi.

Videocon d2h CEO Anil Khera added, “We continue to add more variety and value through our offerings. We want to offer the whole gamut of channels and services empowering the consumer to opt for his preferred choice of language. We believe in delivering the best for our customers and are hopeful of achieving better penetration, through the addition of this channel.”

March 23, 2015