Category: Software

MUMBAI: The latest broadband and IPTV figures published by the Broadband Forum show a surge in growth in the third quarter of 2011, with more new subscribers added in the quarter than at any time since early 2009. The figures also point to the growing importance of fiber as FTTH and hybrid FTTx deployments increase. IPTV approaches 55 million subscribers as Europe holds on to top regional position against strong growth out of Asia

Overall broadband growth during the quarter, according to figures prepared for the Broadband Forum by Point Topic, is estimated at 17.4 million lines, bringing the global total to 581.3 million, a quarterly increase of 3.08 per cent – and an annual growth rate of 12.89 per cent.

Telecom operators increased market share as fiber showed strongest access growth rate. Asia remained the dominant region, with China nearly doubling its broadband subscriber numbers

Broadband Forum CEO Robin Mersh said,”These are very healthy figures for Q3 and they demonstrate the ongoing strength of the broadband market. We are especially pleased to see the trend in fiber technologies beginning to take off. Our G-PON certification program, launched in Q3 and with first certifications already in place, has been very widely welcomed and this is an indication that the market is ready for much further growth in this area.”

Technology – fiber shows strongest growth

The figures show that FTTx is now gaining ground on more traditional technologies. DSL continues to be the most dominant technology, adding more lines than any other in Q3.

However, in percentage terms both FTTH and FTTx/hybrid technologies, showed the largest growth with over 8 per cent overall, compared to 2.2 per cent for cable modems and 2 per cent for DSL. FTTx added just under 19 million lines in Q3 2011 – this is more than double the number in the same period last year and it continues to accelerate. This means that market share for fiber technologies – now at 16 per cent – is fast catching up with cable‘s 19.5 per cent.

Broadband Line Market Shares:

Regional Growth and Top 10 Countries for Broadband : With a rise of almost 1.5 per cent in the year, the proportion of broadband subscribers in Asia continued to increase. Results from other regions were more muted, although both Europe and the Middle East & Africa returned better numbers compared to the same period in 2011. The Americas also performed better in Q3 than Q2, with overall net additions in subscriber lines rising by 309,518.

Asia continued to dominate with over 10.3 million more subscriber lines added in the quarter, higher than in Q2 and the same quarter in 2010. With over 246 million lines in total, Asia now has 42.34 per cent of the total market share in broadband.

Of the top ten countries, strongest growth continued to be in China, although strong growth in Russia has seen it improve its ranking to seventh place, fuelled partly by increases in IPTV adoption which has brought Russia into the IPTV top ten rankings for the first time.

The top countries are China, US, Japan, Germany, France, UK, Russia, South Korea, Brazil and Italy.

Asia, once again, is the fastest growing region for IPTV but European markets are strengthening on an individual basis. While some saturation is taking place, there is fundamental strength in the market which has driven the region to a three year high in quarterly net additions.

IPTV Regional Market Share – Q3 2011:

The Top 10 countries for IPTV all reported strong growth. Russia is the major success story, entering the Top Ten for the first time and immediately occupying eighth place. Growth in France, the current world leader, is still very strong, in spite of the already high penetration rate, but China will soon take over the top spot, by sheer force of market size.

NEW DELHI: Encouraged by the success of e-auction in the case of Doordarshan‘s direct-to-home, DD Direct Plus, the government is now finalising its policy for e-auctioning slots for mobile television.

The policy is being finalised on availability of adequate spectrum and resolution of other issues with the Department of Telecommunications which include nature of technology to be used for mobile television, license area, tenure of license, cross holding restrictions, FDI limits, contention regulation mechanism etc.

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information Technology has asked the Information and Broadcasting Ministry to expeditiously resolve all pending issues like identifying and allocation of spectrum for mobile operators, determining the service area of licences and number of service providers/licences in each service area etc. with the Telecommunications Department to finalise the policy for introduction of mobile television.

The policy will generally be based on the recommendations of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai).

Trai in January 2008 had recommended composite foreign investment limit including FDI of 74 per cent for mobile TV service while reiterating its earlier recommendations for a complete review of FDI policy relating to carriage aspects of electronic media as a whole so that it is consistent across all sectors.

The authority also recommended that foreign investments up to 49 percent may be permitted under the automatic route, beyond which FIPB approval will be required.

MUMBAI: Havas Media has acquired a majority stake in Snapworx Mobile Inc, the mobile marketing arm of Philippines-based Snapworx Inc.

Snapworx‘s mobile business will now be rebranded as Mobext, whichalready operates as the global mobile marketing brand within the HavasDigital stable.

This acquisition further strengthens Havas Media‘s footprint in the area, adding to its existing two agencies: MPG and Media Contacts.

The newly branded Mobext in the Philippines will be led by Arthur Policarpio, the current CEO of Snapworx, who will report in to Vishnu Mohan, CEO of Havas Media APAC.

Havas Media CEO Alfonso Rodes Vila said, “We are constantly focused on enhancing our service offerings to address the needs of our clients and the acquisition of Snapworx is part of this strategy. The Philippines is one of Asia’s biggest mobile markets where the demand for mobile marketing solutions is growing exponentially. This acquisition also perfectly complements our other agencies in the Philippines”.

With a decade of mobile marketing experience, Policarpio is a recognised industry leader in the Philippines. He was the former President (2009) of the Internet and Mobile Marketing Association of the Philippines (IMMAP), the country‘s premiere association for Internet and mobile marketing.

Policarpio will be joined in the Mobext management team by Jeremy Obial, Snapworx co-founder and chief technology officer.

Havas Digital CEO Anthony Rhind said, “Snapworx is a wonderful addition to Havas Digital‘s agencies and we see a great cultural fit with them. I am excited by the prospect of the new agency Mobext, and look forward to working with the teams.”

Mobext CEO Arthur Policarpio added, “We are pleased to be a part of the Havas Media family. The group has both strong local operations and a solid global footprint. We are looking forward to further enhancing the group‘s strength and expertise through our extensive experience in the Philippines market.”

Mobext is currently present in 11 markets globally. In Asia, the agency brand was launched in India in May last year, with plans for roll out in three more markets this year.

NEW DELHI: Even as the Parliament has passed the Cable TV Networks (Regulation) Amendment Bill, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) is yet to come up with the policy guidelines.

Trai is, in fact, still waiting for stakeholders comments on its Consultation Paper on “Issues related to Implementation of Digital Addressable Cable TV Systems”.

Trai has extended the last date for stakeholder comments to 30 January and Counter comments by 6 February. The authority had earlier fixed the dates on 16 January and 23 January respectively. The extension has been permitted on request of stakeholders.

The paper was issued on 22 December last year and it focuses on issues relating to composition and Tariff of Basic Service Tier (BST); retail tariff; pre-paid billing; interconnection issues; and revenue share between MSOs and LCOs.

The paper also addresses issues like Quality of Service Standards and redressal of Consumer Complaints.

The broadcasting industry with about 150 million TV households is set for a major transformation. The analog nature of the cable TV service, which caters to around 94 million households, has been the roadblock in exploiting the full potential of the sector in the era of convergence.

Keeping this in view, Trai in consultation with all the stakeholders had in August 2010 recommended to the Government complete digitisation with addressability of the Cable TV services, in a phased manner. Subsequently, the Government issued a notification on 11 November 2011 in this connection with addressability in a phased manner to be completed by December 2014.

The smooth transition to Digital Addressable system would involve various measures. In order to facilitate this transformation, Trai in consultation with the stakeholders has identified certain key issues that need to be determined.

MUMBAI: It seems that India’s richest billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s name is enough to shake up the media industry.

After the deal with TV18Network18 and ETV, now the buzz in the media is that Ambani is looking to buy 26 per cent stake in multi-system operators and cable operators.

Though Hathway Cable & Datacom has denied of having any such talks with Reliance Industries Ltd and Den Networks declined to comment on speculative reports, the listed cable companies have seen a boost in their stock prices.

Hathway was the biggest beneficiary on Monday as its shares closed at Rs 132.80 on BSE, up 12.11 per cent from its previous close. Similarly, Den Networks scrip jumped 6.25 per cent to close at Rs 63.75.

Media reports stated that RIL is eyeing a minimum of 26 per cent stake MSOs and independent cable operators with a large subscriber base. A report in a leading financial daily mentioned that Den Networks, Digicable Networks, Hathway, IndusInd Media and Communications (InCable) as well as some “independent multi-system operators and smaller operators with good regional presence” could be approached by RIL as part of its broadband TV business plans.

Later in the day, Hathway said in a clarification to the BSE that nobody from RIL has ever approached the company or anybody associated with the company and that “the two newspaper reporters never called anybody in our organisation. Hence, the newspaper report is baseless and untrue in relation to whatever has been quoted with respect to our Company.”

Den Networks also said that it is the company‘s policy not to comment on speculative media reports and any information on strategic investments will be brought to the notice of the stock exchange as is required under the provisions of listing agreement.

Meanwhile, the other listed cable company Wire & Wireless (India) Ltd (WWIL) saw a jump of 3.68 per cent and closed at Rs 7.32 per share.

Hinduja Ventures, which operates InCable, closed at Rs 318, up 2.63 per cent on Monday.

Shares of RIL, however, closed 2.55 per cent lower at Rs 713.40.

MUMBAI: Sonic, the new channel from Viacom18, launched its digital show for the new young adult, ‘Techno Sonic’ on its website www.sonicgang.com.

Techno Sonic brings gadgets from the future and targets the adventure and fun-loving junkies who believe that beauty lies in technology itself.

Techno Sonic will be anchored by two Subiya and Rishabh; they will discuss new gadgets from the future and their unique functions.

A new instalment of the show is available on the online portal every Mondays and viewers can log on to the website and watch the episodes at their convenience.

Sonic and Nick India EVP and GM Nina Elavia Jaipuria said, “Sonic targets the new young adults who are tech-savvy, gizmo freaks and are always looking out for the next edgy gadget out in the market. With Sonic Gang we will connect with the Gen Z through every possible screen to create a unique community that thrives on constant action.”

Apart from Techno Sonic, the website also offers games, superheroes, gadgets, mobile interactivity and updates on the Facebook and Twitter pages.

MUMBAI: There is a huge rush for flat-screen TVs and sales of iPads and smart phones are brisk, according to a recent report by US broadcaster ABC news affiliate, KGO-TV.

The industry analyst reported sales of flat-screen TVs were up by 15 per cent over last years sales. Many of the biggest sporting events are just down the road, and people are looking to upgrade their man caves with an impressive new television.

With the increase in demand for flat screen TVs, more and more sets are being put on the market. These sets vary greatly depending on needs and budget.

MUMBAI: UK news broadcaster Sky News and Singapore pay TV opertaor StarHub TV have announced plans to launch Singapore’s first High Definition (HD) news channel, Sky News HD.

The channel will commence airing on StarHub TV Channel 757 on 17 January.

Viewers will find Sky News HD on StarHub TV’s Channel 757. Here they will be able to access all the benefits of HD, live video feeds from developing stories, rich graphics that enhance Sky News coverage, and real-time text analysis from Sky News specialist correspondents during live speeches and events.

StarHub VP content Sandie Lee said, “We are proud to be the first in Singapore to debut a dedicated news channel in High Definition. As the country’s leading pay TV operator, we delight in exceeding our customers’ ever-increasing expectations for quality programming. To mark the occasion, we will be offering a free preview of the channel to our World News Basic Upsize Group customers until 30 June 2012.”

As part of a premium service, the new HD channel brings together Sky News’ journalism with sharp picture quality using a widescreen format to show more details about the key stories of the day. Sky News HD is supported by HD studios and field resources, while HD graphics create an on-air look to deliver a clear, crisp and compelling television
experience for the Singaporean audience.

Sky News head John Ryley said, “Sky News HD has been a huge success and we are proud to be leading the way once more by launching Singapore’s first ever HD news channel. It is fantastic more and more viewers globally can experience the sharper picture and enhanced services Sky News HD provides.”

Fox International Channels (Fic) Singapore VP, territory head Yvonne Tay said, “Fic is a leader in the HD space in Singapore and we are proud to once again, set new benchmarks for the News channels with the launch of Sky News HD. We are pleased that Singaporeans will now be able to enjoy world-class news with better picture quality.”

NEW DELHI: Even as the Government cleared the ground for prosecution of social networking sites like Facebook for permitting objectionable content, Communication and Information Technology Minister Kapil Sibal today said there was no plan to ban any sites or curb their freedom.

Speaking at Allahabad, the Minister said the case in the courts only related to obscene or communally dangerous matter on the websites.

Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court has listed for 16 January an appeal by the sites against notices issued by a trial court.

This is understood to have been stated in a reply filed by the Communications and Information Technology Ministry in the trial court where a case against the websites is pending.

In December, Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal had also urged Facebook, Twitter, Google and others to remove offensive material, though he had said they could not be banned.

Earlier Facebook, Google, Microsoft, and Yahoo India had sought exemption from a Delhi court as the matter is still pending before the High Court.

The trial court had issued summons to the various foreign-based social networking sites to face criminal charges for allegedly hosting objectionable contents and directed them to appear before it on 13 March.

It asked the Ministry of External Affairs to get the summons served on these companies. “Let the process (to serve the summons) on (foreign- based) accused be sent through the MEA as per the process,” Metropolitan Magistrate Sudesh Kumar said.

The court direction came after the counsel, appearing for Facebook India, said over 10 out of 21 companies named as accused in the case were foreign-based and that the court would have to issue process to serve the summons on them.

The court was hearing a private complaint filed by journalist Vinay Rai against these firms for allegedly web-casting objectionable contents.

The court listed the matter for further hearing on 13 March and directed the accused to appear in person before it on the next date.

Advocate Shashi Tripathi, appearing for the complainant, committed to providing a fresh list of the addresses of the various foreign-based sites for the serving of the summons through the External Affairs Ministry.

During the hearing, Facebook India counsel Siddharth Luthra said that one of the accused, who is chairman of the Facebook, is based in California in the US and the court would have to direct the MEA for serving summons on him.

The counsel for Google India also asked the court to adjourn the matter today. He said that summons issued to accused companies Orkut, Youtube and Blogspot have been mistakenly served at their premises in India.

The court, which had earlier directed the Centre to take “immediate appropriate steps” in this regard, was told by the counsel for Communication and Information Technology Ministry a report would be filed soon.

The court had on 23 December last issued summons to them, which had led to some of them moving the High Court. The summons to the foreign firms had not been served.

The magistrate‘s December 23 order had come three days after another court in a civil case had restrained these sites including Facebook, Google and Youtube from webcasting any “anti-religious” or “anti-social” content promoting hatred or communal disharmony.

The magistrate had said, “It appears from a bare perusal of the documents that prima facie the accused in connivance with each other and other unknown persons are selling, publicly exhibiting and have put into circulation obscene, lascivious content”.

MUMBAI: Al Gore‘s Current TV channel is facing closure after BSkyB dropped it from its pay-TV lineup.

The channel has found it hard to maintain viewership. The channel, which is also carried by Virgin Media, seems likely to close on 11 March 2012 state, media reports.

Current Media CEO Joel Hyatt has accused Sky of shutting down an intelligent alternative to mass market programming. “By doing so, Sky is once again discriminating in favour of the networks it owns and the points of view News Corporation agrees with.”

Under the terms of the existing, deal, Sky pays a per-customer subscription fee to Current TV for appearing as a pay TV channel on its platform, which reaches over 10 million homes. Without the revenue from the carriage deal, Current TV says that it cannot afford to continue operating.

Sky’s commercial director Rob Webster said, “Despite investing significantly in Current TV since its UK launch the in 2006, the channel simply hasn’t made the impact with our customers that we hoped for. That is why we’ve decided not to renew our retail relationship.”

The channel had been launched five years back.