ITV

Category: Telecom

  • Govt respects free discourse & social media via internet: Ravi Shankar Prasad

    Govt respects free discourse & social media via internet: Ravi Shankar Prasad

    NEW DELHI: Communications and Information Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad has said the government fully respects the freedom of expression and discourse on social media and interned adding that “Our government is committed towards digital inclusion.”

    Welcoming the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s (TRAI) decision on discriminatory pricing, he said, “We very much appreciate this decision of TRAI whereby differential tariff in case of data services has been rejected. The view of our government from the beginning has been very clear, which I have also articulated in the Parliament, that is, internet is one of the finest creations of human mind and it should not become the monopoly of few.”

    “Differential pricing on data, whether it is Free Basics or any other mode, is plainly not acceptable,” the minister said, adding that the internet “must be available without discrimination.”

    Prasad said that the government was expanding Digital India into every “nook and corner of the country, and taking extraordinary steps to empower the people through technology, to create a knowledge economy, the very concept,” in order to bring about digital inclusion.

  • Q3-2016: Reliance organised retail continues on growth path, Jio launched

    Q3-2016: Reliance organised retail continues on growth path, Jio launched

    BENGALURU: The Mukesh D Ambani led Reliance Industries Limited’s (RIL) organised retail segment – Reliance Retail, continued its growth momentum and profitability in the quarter ended 31 December, 2105 (Q3-2016, current quarter, Q3-16).

     

    RIL chairman and managing director Ambani said, “Our portfolio of world-class refining and petrochemical assets are paying-off handsomely. Refining business delivered yet another record performance on the back of seven-year high refining margins and highest ever crude throughput. In the current nine-month period, our refining business EBIT has surpassed the record earnings it achieved in FY-2015. The petrochemical business also delivered amongst its best quarterly performance, driven by robust polymer margins. The benefits of low crude oil and energy prices for our downstream businesses clearly outweigh the impact of these factors on our upstream segment, reflecting in the record earnings for the quarter.”

     

    “In the last quarter we also achieved significant milestones in our consumer facing businesses. In the biggest ever launch, Jio services have been offered to over 100,000 group employees and their families enabling them to experience the world-class digital services and applications, and help co-creating the best experience for all our customers. Our retail business crossed Rs 6,000 crore quarterly revenue milestone with a footprint now encompassing over 3,000 stores in 371 cities,” added Ambani.

     

    Revenues from RIL’s retail segment for Q3-2016 grew by 28.9 per cent YoY to Rs 6,042 crore (8.9 per cent of consolidated net turnover) as compared to Rs 4,686 crore (five per cent of consolidated net turnover) and grew 18.7 per cent QoQ as compared to Rs 5,091 crore (7.2 per cent of consolidated net turnover). RIL says that consolidated its leadership position in the grocery category. It further optimised its network operations to enhance profitability across the grocery retailing chain. Several private label products were launched under various grocery and general merchandise categories during the quarter. These continue to attract consumers due to compelling value proposition and great quality.

     

    The business delivered operating profit growth of 10.5 per cent YoY at Rs 147 crore (2.4 per cent margin)in Q3-2016 as against Rs 133 crore, and grew 25.6 per cent QoQ as compared to Rs 117 crore in Q2-2016.

     

    RIL numbers

     

    For Q3-2016, RIL achieved a consolidated net turnover of Rs 68,261 crore, a decrease of 27 per cent YoY, as compared to Rs 93,528 crore in Q3-2015 and 3.7 per cent lower than the Rs 70,901 crore in the immediate trailing quarter.

     

    However, RIL’s net profit after tax (PAT) increased 39.3 per cent YoY in Q3-2016 to Rs 7,431 crore as compared to the Rs 5,271 crore in Q3-2015 and increased 9.4 per cent as compared to the Rs 6,709 crore in the previous quarter.

     

    Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited

     

    Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited (RJIL), a subsidiary of RIL, is rolling out a state-of-the-art pan India digital services business. In addition to fixed and wireless broadband connectivity offering superior voice and data services on an all-IP network, RJIL says that it will also offer end-to-end solutions that address the entire value chain across various digital services in key domains such as education, healthcare, security, communication, financial services, government-citizen interfaces and entertainment. RJIL aims to provide anytime, anywhere access to innovative and empowering digital content, applications and services, thereby propelling India into global leadership in digital economy. RJIL aims to bring connected intelligence to the country through its extensive true 4G connectivity.

     

    RJIL is the first telecom operator to hold pan India Unified License. It holds 751.10 MHz of liberalised spectrum across the 800 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2300 MHz bands. RJIL plans to provide seamless 4G services using LTE in 800 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2300 MHz bands through an integrated ecosystem. The combined spectrum footprint across frequency bands provides significant network capacity and deep in-building coverage. In addition, RJIL has entered into agreements with RCOM for change in spectrum allotment in the 800 MHz band from RCOM to RJIL across nine circles and sharing of spectrum in the 800 MHz band across 17 circles.

     

    Media business

     

    Consolidated revenue and EBITDA of Network18 Media & Investments Limited was Rs 906 crore and Rs 95 crore, respectively during the quarter. Network18’s news channels (CNBC-TV18, CNBC Awaaz and CNN-IBN) and entertainment channels (Colors, Vh1, MTV, Nick) continued to be leaders in their respective genres says the company. Network18’s digital properties Moneycontrol and Bookmyshow continued to be market leaders. Moneycontrol launched new Android and iOS versions of Moneycontrol App during the quarter.

  • Q3-2016: Reliance organised retail continues on growth path, Jio launched

    Q3-2016: Reliance organised retail continues on growth path, Jio launched

    BENGALURU: The Mukesh D Ambani led Reliance Industries Limited’s (RIL) organised retail segment – Reliance Retail, continued its growth momentum and profitability in the quarter ended 31 December, 2105 (Q3-2016, current quarter, Q3-16).

     

    RIL chairman and managing director Ambani said, “Our portfolio of world-class refining and petrochemical assets are paying-off handsomely. Refining business delivered yet another record performance on the back of seven-year high refining margins and highest ever crude throughput. In the current nine-month period, our refining business EBIT has surpassed the record earnings it achieved in FY-2015. The petrochemical business also delivered amongst its best quarterly performance, driven by robust polymer margins. The benefits of low crude oil and energy prices for our downstream businesses clearly outweigh the impact of these factors on our upstream segment, reflecting in the record earnings for the quarter.”

     

    “In the last quarter we also achieved significant milestones in our consumer facing businesses. In the biggest ever launch, Jio services have been offered to over 100,000 group employees and their families enabling them to experience the world-class digital services and applications, and help co-creating the best experience for all our customers. Our retail business crossed Rs 6,000 crore quarterly revenue milestone with a footprint now encompassing over 3,000 stores in 371 cities,” added Ambani.

     

    Revenues from RIL’s retail segment for Q3-2016 grew by 28.9 per cent YoY to Rs 6,042 crore (8.9 per cent of consolidated net turnover) as compared to Rs 4,686 crore (five per cent of consolidated net turnover) and grew 18.7 per cent QoQ as compared to Rs 5,091 crore (7.2 per cent of consolidated net turnover). RIL says that consolidated its leadership position in the grocery category. It further optimised its network operations to enhance profitability across the grocery retailing chain. Several private label products were launched under various grocery and general merchandise categories during the quarter. These continue to attract consumers due to compelling value proposition and great quality.

     

    The business delivered operating profit growth of 10.5 per cent YoY at Rs 147 crore (2.4 per cent margin)in Q3-2016 as against Rs 133 crore, and grew 25.6 per cent QoQ as compared to Rs 117 crore in Q2-2016.

     

    RIL numbers

     

    For Q3-2016, RIL achieved a consolidated net turnover of Rs 68,261 crore, a decrease of 27 per cent YoY, as compared to Rs 93,528 crore in Q3-2015 and 3.7 per cent lower than the Rs 70,901 crore in the immediate trailing quarter.

     

    However, RIL’s net profit after tax (PAT) increased 39.3 per cent YoY in Q3-2016 to Rs 7,431 crore as compared to the Rs 5,271 crore in Q3-2015 and increased 9.4 per cent as compared to the Rs 6,709 crore in the previous quarter.

     

    Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited

     

    Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited (RJIL), a subsidiary of RIL, is rolling out a state-of-the-art pan India digital services business. In addition to fixed and wireless broadband connectivity offering superior voice and data services on an all-IP network, RJIL says that it will also offer end-to-end solutions that address the entire value chain across various digital services in key domains such as education, healthcare, security, communication, financial services, government-citizen interfaces and entertainment. RJIL aims to provide anytime, anywhere access to innovative and empowering digital content, applications and services, thereby propelling India into global leadership in digital economy. RJIL aims to bring connected intelligence to the country through its extensive true 4G connectivity.

     

    RJIL is the first telecom operator to hold pan India Unified License. It holds 751.10 MHz of liberalised spectrum across the 800 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2300 MHz bands. RJIL plans to provide seamless 4G services using LTE in 800 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2300 MHz bands through an integrated ecosystem. The combined spectrum footprint across frequency bands provides significant network capacity and deep in-building coverage. In addition, RJIL has entered into agreements with RCOM for change in spectrum allotment in the 800 MHz band from RCOM to RJIL across nine circles and sharing of spectrum in the 800 MHz band across 17 circles.

     

    Media business

     

    Consolidated revenue and EBITDA of Network18 Media & Investments Limited was Rs 906 crore and Rs 95 crore, respectively during the quarter. Network18’s news channels (CNBC-TV18, CNBC Awaaz and CNN-IBN) and entertainment channels (Colors, Vh1, MTV, Nick) continued to be leaders in their respective genres says the company. Network18’s digital properties Moneycontrol and Bookmyshow continued to be market leaders. Moneycontrol launched new Android and iOS versions of Moneycontrol App during the quarter.

  • Reliance Communications in talks with Aircel to merge wireless biz

    Reliance Communications in talks with Aircel to merge wireless biz

    MUMBAI: Anil Ambani’s Reliance Communications (RCOM) has entered into a 90-day exclusivity period with Maxis Communications Berhad (MCB) and Sindya Securities and Investments, the shareholders of Aircel Limited, to consider the potential combination of their Indian wireless business.

     

    The merger of RCOM and Aircel’s wireless business will mutually derive the expected substantial benefits of in country consolidation, including opex and capex synergies and revenue enhancement.

     

    The potential combination will exclude RCOM’s towers and optical fibre infrastructure, for which RCOM is proceeding with an asset sale, as announced on 4 December, 2015.

     

    RCOM said that the discussions are non-binding in nature and any transaction will be subject to due diligence, definitive documentation and regulatory, shareholders’ and other third party approvals. Hence, there is no certainty that any transaction will result.

     

    It may be recalled that RCOM recently entered into a merger deal with MTS.

  • Focus on data brings remarkable growth to Aircel in Karnataka

    Focus on data brings remarkable growth to Aircel in Karnataka

    MUMBAI: As a result of strong focus on data driven products and services, Aircel, one of India’s leading telecom operators, has become the fastest growing telecom operator in Karnataka in the last quarter ending September 2015.

    Aircel grew in gross revenue by a good 3.1% while the industry de-grew by 0.9% with data contributing a whopping 27% to the overall revenue. Aircel has been buoyant in its Karnataka operations and the company’s  growth is attributed to the success of innovative data products and services such as Combo 196, Free Basic Internet for all, Unlimited 3G Packs starting at Rs 9 to name a few.

     Aircel Karnataka circle business head Kanwarbir Singh said, “Karnataka is one of the key markets for us and we have grown remarkably in the market. We provide the best ‘value for money’ products to our customers to suit their needs. There has been a dramatic increase in the sales of smartphones and this has led to a widespread need of data, especially for the youth. We’re confident that our products will not only greatly ease the pockets of our new customers, but also help to fuel internet adoption in the country for those who still aren’t online. It is a known fact that with each passing day, the need of our customers to have access to seamless data connectivity on their mobile phones is increasing manifold. With increasing frequency and hours of time spend on being online; there is a customer fear of probable bill shock due to perception of high charges. Unlimited 3G packs starting at as low as Rs 9, erases all such worries and gives confidence to use 3G and Stay Online. We are extremely committed to the Karnataka circle and will constantly strive to provide simple and innovative products and services to our customers”

     Also, in its aggressive mode to spearhead the data growth in the country, Aircel, recently launched an affordable range of industry first Unlimited 3G packs ranging from Rs.9 to Rs.397 for all its customers. With this trend setting move, Aircel hopes to encourage its existing and potential customers to stay connected online with Aircel.

    Aircel’s industry first offers of unlimited 2G/3G data packs of Rs.9, Rs.84, Rs.249 and Rs. 397 are intended to redefine the way mobile internet is consumed in India. With an USSD recharge of Rs.9 per day, subscribers can enjoy 100MB 3G and thereafter unlimited 2G for a day. Subscribers can also enjoy 1GB, 3GB and 7.5GB of unlimited 3G/2G data for Rs.84, Rs.249 and Rs. 397 respectively.

    The 1GB, 3GB & 7.5GB ETOP packs, with validity of 10 days, 30 days and 15 days, are in line with the growing data consumption.

    Aircel Karnataka circle marketing head Karthik .V  said, “We have witnessed an increasing demand for data especially for entertainment and productivity purposes. Being a data focused company, constantly innovating with data products is the only way to stay relevant for our consumers. Aircel sees a huge opportunity to get more first time internet users on board as well as help graduate existing data users to faster technologies like 3G.”

  • Idea rolls out 3G network in Kolkata

    Idea rolls out 3G network in Kolkata

    MUMBAI:  Idea Cellular, one of the largest telecom operators in the country announces the launch of its own 3G services in Kolkata metro on 2100 MHz spectrum band that was acquired through auction earlier this year. Idea is committed to provide superior customer experience on both voice and data services and has started rolling out its own 3G network, in a phased manner, while continuing to offer 3G ICR, to give its customers a seamless and superior mobile broadband experience.

     

    As committed at the beginning of the financial year, Idea managed to launch its own 3G services in Kolkata, within a short duration of spectrum allocation.

     

    With this, Idea’s 3G network has expanded to 13 major markets in India, covering 79% of Idea’s revenue and 60% of industry revenue. Additionally, Idea offers 3G services through ICR arrangements with other telecom operators in 9 circles, providing its users seamless connectivity pan-India (except Orissa).

     

    According to  Idea Cellular COO Corporate Lakshminarayana, “Idea’s continuous investment in spectrum acquisition, network infrastructure, and brand building in the Eastern market is a testimony to our commitment to the region. With the launch of 3G services in Kolkata, it has now become the 2nd metro after Delhi where Idea has set up its own 3G network. I am confident that this will drive data usage amongst our existing users and further strengthen brand pull resulting in more customers opting for our superior network.”

     

    Idea 3G users will now experience ease of service while accessing content like mobile TV, video on demand, music downloads, online gaming, amongst many others.

     

    Idea Cellular, COO- East Anish Roy  said, “Idea has nearly 20 lakh customers in Kolkata with approximately 20% being Data users. With the launch of our own 3G network in the metro, the existing Idea 3G users will experience enhanced services, products and offerings and the new subscribers will benefit from our affordable 3G tariffs and superior network. Our strengthened 3G network will further spur our marketshare growth in Kolkata metro”.

     

    Idea has registered the highest growth in Revenue Market Share (RMS), in Kolkata and Rest of Bengal, in Q2FY16 on a YoY basis, as per the TRAI quarterly report. Its Incremental RMS for the same period was the highest amongst all players in the region, a demonstration of the faith the customers have reposed in the Idea network.  

     

    Idea has significantly bolstered its infrastructure in the state over the last few years. By the end of FY16, it will have a network of 7400 2G cell sites in the state, in addition to 1300 3G sites in Kolkata metro. The company has also increased the number of Idea service centres in the state to more than 250. With its focus on providing a world-class customer experience, Idea Cellular continues to expand and grow its presence in the state.

  • Reliance Globalcom denied permission to acquire GCX India

    Reliance Globalcom denied permission to acquire GCX India

    NEW DELHI: The Government has denied permission to Reliance Globalcom Ltd to take over GCX India Ltd.

     

    The Finance Ministry on the recommendations of the Foreign Investments Promotion Board (FIPB) rejected the proposal by Reliance for the India owned and controlled company.

     

    GCX Ltd is involved in database activities and distribution of electronic content, which includes data base development, data storage and data base availability.

     

    Meanwhile, the Government deferred a decision by FireFly Networks Limited for 50 per cent existing foreign investment (indirect) and to permit commencement of activities as a Telecom Infrastructure Provider Category-I (IP1).

  • Reliance Jio Media on track for Phase 1 of cable TV rollout between Jan – Mar 2016

    Reliance Jio Media on track for Phase 1 of cable TV rollout between Jan – Mar 2016

    MUMBAI: Reliance Jio Media, which acquired a pan-India multi system operator (MSO) licence from the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB) in June this year, is on track for the roll out of its cable television business across digital addressable system (DAS) in Phase 3 areas.

     

    Calling a recent report published as “misleading,” which stated that the company is going to  focus more on 4G and broadband,  as compared to digital television and distribution, a senior Reliance Jio official tells Indiantelevision.com, “MSO business is an integral part of our services and we are as focussed on it as we were from the very beginning.”

     

    Reliance Jio Media has already shortlisted the cities for the first round of MSO rollout. “We will start with 15 cities initially and eventually will reach out to more than 100 cities over the next three years. The first round of launch will take place anytime between January to March 2016,” the official informs.

     

    The MSO will offer both standard definiion (SD) and high definition (HD – incluing Ultra HD)  services to garner high average revenue per user (ARPU). “We will follow a model, which is sustainable in the long run. Having all the viewing experiences for consumers is an important factor and we won’t compromise with that,” added the official.

     

    “Headends, technological partnerships and other infrastructure deals have already been sealed with a few vendors and we will have everything sorted out before 31 December. We are in conversation with several LCOs for both broadband and cable partnerships. Post Diwali we will have the final round of discussion with LCOs for digital cable business,” said the official.

     

    Reliance Jio CEO K Jayaraman leads the company’s MSO business.

     

    A source from the industry opined, “The team that they’ve got in place has the muscle power to deal with any situation. I don’t think there is any lacklustre attitude towards the MSO business from the conglomerate.”

     

    Another senior official from a technological giant, on condition of anonymity said, “We have been working closely with Reliance Jio creating different products for them. We are actively pursuing our partnerships and have no information of a slow down or postponement of launch of distribution of cable TV.”

  • Q2-2016: OnMobile YoY revenue flat: EBIDTA up 41.7%

    Q2-2016: OnMobile YoY revenue flat: EBIDTA up 41.7%

    BENGALURU: Mobile music play service company OnMobile Global Limited (OnMobile) reported almost flat (decline of 0.2 per cent) consolidated revenue or Income from Operations (TIO) for the quarter ended 30 September, 2015 (Q2-2016, current quarter) at Rs 206.98 crore as compared to the Rs 207.45 crore in Q2-2015. TIO for the current quarter grew 2.6 per cent as compared to the Rs 201.82 crore in the immediate trailing quarter.

     

    Note: 100,00,000 = 100 Lakhs = 10 million = 1 crore

     

    The company’s EBIDTA in the current quarter grew 41.7 per cent to Rs 39.34 crore (19 per cent margin) as compared to the Rs 27.77 crore (13.4 per cent margin) in the corresponding year ago quarter and was 12 per cent more than the Rs 35.12 crore (17.4 per cent margin) in the immediate trailing quarter.

     

    OnMobile reported profit after tax (PAT) of Rs 1.26 crore (0.6 per cent margin) in Q2-2016 as compared to a loss of Rs 1.21 crore in Q2-2015 and a loss of Rs 0.16 crore in Q1-2016.

     

    Business Performance

     

    OnMobile says that its International revenue grew by eight per cent YoY and 2.8 per cent QoQ. Europe recorded a revenue growth of 49.2 per cent YoY and 4.4 per cent QoQ, while in Other Emerging Markets, revenue grew by 6.7 per cent YoY and seven per cent QoQ to Rs 37.3 crore (18 per cent of TIO). 

     

    Its Latin America revenue was down by 1.5 per cent QoQ and 23.9 per cent YoY respectively. However, Latin America revenue grew by five per cent QoQ, excluding the forex impact of fluctuations in local currencies.

     

    India Business

     

    OnMobile’s India revenue was Rs 45.1 crore (21.8 per cent of TIO) in Q2-2016, a growth of 1.7 per cent QoQ and reduction of 21.6 per cent YoY. It says that it has won western circles from Airtel for Ring Back Tone business to become the largest Ring Back Tone partner for Airtel in India. OnMobile says that this win increases its reach in Airtel from over six crore subscribers to over 11.5 crore subscribers.

     

    The company says that CVAS, a direct to consumer product, has been launched in a large operator in India.

     

    Let us look at some of the other numbers reported by OnMobile

     

    Total Expenditure (TE) in the current quarter declined 5.2 per cent to Rs 204.74 crore (98.9 per cent of TIO) as compared to the Rs 215.92 crore (104.1 per cent of TIO) in Q2-2015, but was 0.4 per cent more than the Rs 203.97 crore (101.1 per cent of TIO) in Q1-2016.

     

    A major expense head for the company is Content Fee and Royalty (CFR). OnMobile paid 41.3 per cent higher CFR in the current quarter at Rs 67.55 crore (32.6 per cent of TIO) as compared to the Rs 47.79 crore (23 per cent of TIO) in Q2-2015 and 5.9 per cent more than the Rs 63.76 crore (31.6 per cent of TIO) in Q1-2016.

     

    The company’s Other sales and services cost declined 52.5 per cent to Rs 9.72 crore (4.7 per cent of TIO) in Q2-2016 as compared to the Rs 20.46 crore (9.9 per cent of TIO) in Q2-2015 and was 15.6 per cent lower than the Rs 11.52 crore (5.7 per cent of TIO) in the previous quarter.

     

    OnMobile says that it has done a ‘Headcount optimization’ during the last financial year and quarter, which has resulted in a reduction of manpower cost. It says that its employee base at the end of Q2-2016 was 1,075. The company’s Employee Benefits Expense (EBE) in the current quarter declined 23.6 per cent to Rs 55.47 crore (26.8 per cent of TIO) in Q2-2016 as compared to the Rs 72.63 crore (35 per cent of TIO) in Q2-2015 and was 3.9 per cent less than the Rs 57.70 crore (28.6 per cent of TIO) in Q1-2016.

  • Reliance Jio to raise Rs 3000 crore via debentures

    Reliance Jio to raise Rs 3000 crore via debentures

    MUMBAI: Even as it gears up to launch its much touted 4G service pan India, Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Jio Infocomm is planning to raise Rs 3000 crore by issuing secured redeemable non-convertible debentures on private placement basis.

     

    As was reported earlier by Indiantelevision.com, Reliance Jio is slated to launch its 4G services across India on 28 December, which also happens to be the birth anniversary of the family’s patriarch Dhirubhai Ambani.

     

    In a regulatory filing, Reliance Jio said, “… pursuant to the approval of the board of directors and shareholders, the company proposes to issue secured redeemable non-convertible debentures aggregating up to Rs 3,000 crore on private placement basis,”

     

    It may be recalled that in May this year, Reliance Jio had taken a 12-year loan of Rs 4500 crore from Korea Trade Insurance Corporation (K-sure) for its 4G rollout. The funds were to be used to finance goods and services from Samsung Electronics and Ace Technologies Corp, which are being tapped for its infrastructure rollout. Thereafter in July, the company announced plans to raise Rs 4,500 crore through debentures.

     

    Reliance Jio is currently present across all 29 Indian states, with a direct physical presence in approximately 18,000 cities and towns, and more than one lakh villages. Ambani plans to launch 4G services with an approximate investment of Rs 100,000 crore.