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Tag: Airtel

  • Equinox Films unveils dynamic advertisement for Airtel’s ‘Xstream Fiber’

    Equinox Films unveils dynamic advertisement for Airtel’s ‘Xstream Fiber’

    Mumbai: Equinox Films, the renowned production house, has announced the launch of an innovative advertisement campaign for Bharti Airtel’s ‘Xstream Fiber’ in collaboration with ad agency Fundamental, the fiber optic internet connection offering superfast speed and unlimited entertainment.

    Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Ram Madhvani and Equinox Films, the campaign brings to life the abundance of entertainment choices available through Airtel Xstream Fiber.

    Characters from beloved shows across various OTT platforms, including Netflix, Prime Video, and more, burst onto the scene, symbolizing the diverse array of content accessible to users. This innovative approach brings a sense of relatability and excitement to viewers, highlighting the endless entertainment possibilities available at the touch of a button.

    Accompanied by a captivating soundtrack celebrating various genres, the campaign showcases the seamless integration of OTT platforms and TV channels, tailored to meet the diverse preferences of consumers. The tagline for this campaign, ‘Entertainment Jordar – are you Tayyar?’, encapsulates the essence of the Airtel Xstream Fiber experience, emphasizing the boundless entertainment options available to users.

    Ram Madhvani and Equinox Films have a long-standing history of creating iconic ad campaigns for Airtel, including the memorable ‘Har Ek Friend’ and ‘Jo Tera Hai Woh Mera Hai’. With this latest campaign, they continue to push boundaries and captivate audiences with their unique storytelling and creative vision.

    Critically acclaimed director, visionary producer, and Equinox Films founder Ram Madhvani commented, “With this campaign, we aimed to redefine engagement by placing content at the forefront and capturing audience attention in a meaningful way. By highlighting the extensive entertainment options offered by Airtel Xstream Fiber, we sought to create a connection with viewers that goes beyond traditional advertising.”

    The campaign launch signifies a significant milestone for Airtel as it continues to lead the way in innovation within the digital entertainment space, enriching the lives of consumers across India.

  • Airtel’s Sunil Mittal welcomes Reliance-Viacom-Disney Hotstar merger

    Airtel’s Sunil Mittal welcomes Reliance-Viacom-Disney Hotstar merger

    MUMBAI: The merger between Reliance Jio, Viacom18, and Disney Star India has stunned many in the media and entertainment industry, considering its scale and size, creating a media monolith in its wake.

    But one person who is taking it in its stride is Bharti Enterprises chairman Sunil Mittal. In a conversation with CNBC TV18’s Shereen Bhan early this morning he said: “We are a telecommunications company. We are not in the business of content. We welcome the merger.”

    What this means is that speculation that Bharti Airtel might hare off and make some acquisitions in the content creation space can well be dustbinned following Reliance’s  skilful move of partnering with two global content giants.

    Mittal added that Bharti Airtel has been carrying every OTT and broadcaster – Netflix, Star, Hotstar, Prime Video, Jio, MX Player, Aha – for some time now. “We will continue doing so in a non-discriminatory manner,” he revealed.

    He, however, ended his statement with a note of caution. “We hope that even they will do so in a non-discriminatory manner,” he said.

    Are two Bobs (Iger and Bakish),  Nita Ambani and Uday Shankar listening?

  • “India is the second largest TV market globally with 210Mn Tv HHs”: GroupM’s Atique Kazi

    “India is the second largest TV market globally with 210Mn Tv HHs”: GroupM’s Atique Kazi

    Mumbai: The emergence of addressable TV has been nothing short of ground-breaking. Offering targeted advertising opportunities and personalized content delivery, addressable TV has swiftly carved out a significant niche in the industry. India, with its burgeoning digital market and rapidly expanding connectivity, has been at the forefront of this transformative shift.

    The latest insights from GroupM’s TYNY 2024 report shed light on the remarkable momentum witnessed in the realm of TV in India. Unlike the global market, TV marked a seven per cent growth with the market share of 29 per cent. With each passing year, the adoption of connected TV and the prevalence of addressable TV homes have surged, reshaping the way audiences engage with television content and advertising.

    The report cites phenomenal momentum in the space of addressable TV over the last few years. By the end of 2023, there were 34 million addressable TV homes streaming on connected TV in India. As per the report, in 2024, this growth is expected to be reaching 45 million homes with a YoY growth of 21 per cent.

    By delving into the key findings of the report, it becomes evident that addressable TV is not just a passing trend but a fundamental evolution in the media landscape, poised to reach unprecedented heights in the year 2024. With projections indicating substantial growth in the number of addressable TV homes, India stands on the brink of a new era in television broadcasting and advertising.

    Let’s explore the implications of this growth and future of media consumption in India as Indiantelevision on the sidelines of the GroupM event, caught up with GroupM India president (Data Performance and Digital Products) Atique Kazi, where he shared a lot of insights on the current addressable & linear TV space….

    Edited excerpts

    On the growth of addressable and linear TV in India

    In recent years, the growth of addressable TV homes has been significant. With 7-8 million Addressable TVs in 2021, it quickly rose to 17-18 million and now crossed 34 million. Current projections suggest it could breach 45 million, translating to approximately 21% of TV households in India, given there are around 210-213 million Television households. This growth is fuelled partly by the widespread availability of unlimited broadband, allowing people to stream content without constraints. Interestingly, many of the 45 million users are not completely abandoning traditional TV but are instead switching between linear and on-demand content. Primarily, these users are younger than 40, as older individuals may struggle with new user interfaces & habits. People are making smarter choices based on their viewing habits, opting for platforms that offer their preferred content without additional costs. This trend indicates a shift towards more flexible viewing options.

    On difference between USA and India’s television business and India reaching on par with the developed nations

    India is the second largest TV market globally with 210Mn Tv HHs. Recent increases in prices and the abundance of content accessible through streaming platforms are prompting consumers to transition from Pay TV to Free TV, often supplemented by low-cost or ad-supported streaming services made possible by improved internet connectivity. In the United States, over 85% of households are users of Connected TV (CTV), whereas in India, CTV penetration stands at only approximately 16% (FYR only 34mn/210mn), indicating significant growth potential in India. CTV advertising constitutes 7% of the total media expenditure in the US, while India has just embarked on this journey in the last three years, with digital extensions already accounting for 4% %( FYR only 5750cr/155386 cr ) of the overall advertising expenditure and expected to surpass the US average.

    On consumers preferring TV over mobile phones for media consumption

    The preference for viewing always rests with the consumer based on their convenience. For example, while I am outside home and want to catch on to my favourite content, mobile is definitely an option. But at the comforts of home when you have access to a large screen, preferences change. What has happened now is the ease of access to content is the same on TV & mobile, what changes is the environment with whom/where you watch them. With features such in IPL like multi camera viewing angles and enhanced post-match production, viewers are provided with an improved viewing experience, influencing their choice on a big screen vs small screen.

    On the fall of DTH industry according to TRAI’s latest reports on losing 1.32 paid subscribers in July-September 2023

    The DTH industry is shifting towards free-to-air (FTA) content over pay TV, building the need for smarter, internet-enabled set-top boxes. The advancement I foresee is for the insertion of addressable ads on linear television, revolutionizing the advertising ecosystem. However, the industry faces challenges due to broadcasters’ split strategy for television and their digital platforms, as well as the disconnect between broadcasters and distributors. Without collaboration to effectively sell addressable ads, the potential benefits of this technology, as seen in markets like Korea, may not be easy in India. Airtel and Tata Play have introduced smart set-top boxes capable of addressable ads, but without broadcaster collaboration, unlocking their full potential may prove difficult.

  • Airtel Xstream Play partners with aha Telugu and Tamil

    Airtel Xstream Play partners with aha Telugu and Tamil

    Mumbai: Bharti Airtel (“Airtel”), India’s premier communications solutions provider, today, announced that Airtel Xstream Play, India’s fastest-growing OTT aggregator service with over five million paid subscribers, will now offer aha Tamil and Telugu to its subscribers.

    aha OTT, a joint venture between Allu Arvind’s Geeta Arts and My Home Group was launched in 2020 and is one of the fastest-growing regional OTT platforms in the country. aha provides a diverse array of original content, encompassing 750 plus films and 40 plus original shows besides talk shows and reality TV.

    Commenting on the collaboration, Airtel Digital CEO Adarsh Nair said, “We welcome team aha on to our platform and look forward to collaborating with them and taking their content across the length and breadth of India. Over the years, we have observed regional content gain prominence and transcend the barriers of language within India. aha’s addition will not just get the best in Tamil and Telugu content to the audiences in TN, AP and Telangana but also to discerning audiences elsewhere in the country. At Airtel Xstream Play, as the largest OTT aggregator in the country, we remain committed to being a trusted partner for OTT players and helping them solve for discovery, pricing and other challenges.”

    Speaking about the partnership, aha Sr VP and head-SVOD and business strategy Rakesh CK said, “We are pleased to unveil this strategic collaboration with Airtel Xstream, marking a significant stride in our ongoing mission to be in every Telugu and Tamil household. We hope that the partnership with Airtel Xstream will enhance our reach and impact, helping us tap into a broader audience. Together, we are committed to redefining the entertainment experience, ensuring that our exclusive content resonates profoundly with viewers.”

    Airtel Xstream Play offers India’s largest bouquet of OTT content aggregated on a single app. Airtel subscribers can have access to premium content from partners such as Sony LIV, Lionsgate Play, Chaupal, Hoichoi, FanCode, ManoramaMax, ShemarooMe, Alt Balaji, Ultra, ErosNow, EPICon, Docubay, Playflix, etc. and can watch 40,000+ movie titles and shows from 20 content partners on the Airtel Xstream app with a minimum recharge of Rs. 148.

  • MMA Global India launches AI Advisory

    MMA Global India launches AI Advisory

    Mumbai: MMA Global India proudly announces the inauguration of the MMA Global India AI Advisory, a collaborative effort uniting the marketing ecosystem comprising members such as McDonald’s, HP, Microsoft, EY, ReBid, SAS, Netcore, Airtel, Aditya Birla Group, Tata Consumer Products, Bridgestone, CEAT, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, L’Oreal India, Mondelez, MakeMyTrip, and many others.

    Why AI Advisory?

    The subject of AI is fast-evolving, and keeping up with the pace can be challenging. The MMA Global India AI Advisory is here to provide the right platform for industry representatives to discuss challenges, engage in knowledge sharing, and drive collaboration for growth.

    “With 3 out of 4 companies already experimenting and scaling, especially in areas like marketing optimization and personalization, our AI Advisory will serve as a compass to enable marketers to harness intelligence and propel innovation. I wish to welcome our AI advisory members and the industry to help shape the future of AI in marketing and together tread the path to AI-powered marketing,” shared MMA Global India country head and board member Moneka Khurana. She further added that “this council serves as a testament to our commitment to fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and pushing the boundaries of AI applications in the Indian marketing landscape.”

    Objective of the AI Advisory:

    The AI Advisory at MMA Global India is committed to driving the adoption of AI applications in marketing at scale. It represents a working coalition of leading marketers and thought leaders focused on applying AI to marketing responsibly and effectively.

    What Sets the Advisory Apart:

    With a special focus on the Indian market, the MMA Global India AI Advisory ensures marketers have access to relevant content and resources needed to be at the forefront of technological innovation.

    Ernst & Young, head & partner and marketing advisory Amiya Swaru sharing his excitement for the launch, said, “The MMA India AI Advisory is a significant initiative; and a commitment to drive effective AI integration in marketing. Through thought leadership, the AI Advisory’s objective is to enable marketers to deliver business goals using effective use of AI and technology.”

    Our Experts on the Council Will aim to:

    1   Champion AI-Powered Marketing and Branding Tech

    2   Foster Knowledge Sharing via Thought Leadership

    3   Keep Members at the Forefront of AI Marketing Applications

    4   Establish Authority in Marketer Tech and Be the Go-To Council

    This group is laser-focused on driving conversations at a micro-level for the industry, with visible outcomes in reports, use cases, surveys, and more. Dedicated solely to the Indian market, the MMA Global India AI Advisory guarantees marketers access to content most pertinent to them, ensuring MMA’s members remain leaders in this generation’s most critical frontier of technological innovation.

    “In the realm of AI-driven marketing, the MMA Global India AI Advisory stands as a beacon of industry collaboration. The advisory’s collective mission is clear – to champion AI-powered marketing and pave the way for marketers to not just adapt but lead in this era of transformative technology,” were some strong closing words by another key founding member of the council, ReBid CEO & founder Rajiv Dingra. 

  • Wynk Studio wins music distribution rights to Kay Kay Menon’s starrer “Love All”

    Wynk Studio wins music distribution rights to Kay Kay Menon’s starrer “Love All”

    Mumbai: Wynk Music, India’s number one music streaming app by downloads and daily active users, has announced that Wynk Studio, India’s largest music distribution ecosystem, has won the distribution rights to Kay Kay Menon’s starrer “Love All”, a movie based on the life of badminton superstar, P Gopichand.

    “Love All” is produced by Mahesh Bhatt and P Gopichand along with Anand Pandit. It will be released by M Ramesh’s Laxmi Ganpathy Film Studios on 1 September. Directed by Sudhanshu Sharma, the movie also features Swastika Mukherjee, Robin Das, Shrishwara, Atul Srivastava and Raja Bundela. The movie has five memorable tracks, which are already available on Wynk.

    1. Baton Baton Mein, Singer – Jubin Nautiyal

    2. Gilli Si Subah, Singer – Papon

    3. Chal Uth Jhat Path, Singer – Sonu Nigam

    4. Love All Bol De, Singer – Kay Kay Menon  

    5. Sahas Do Sahas, Singer – Anjali Gayakwad

    Speaking about the distribution arrangement, Airtel digital CEO and Airtel chief product officer Adarsh Nair said, “Wynk Studio was established with the vision of offering independent artists a creative outlet which would also help them with any monetisation and discovery issues they might face. We have had great success with independent artists and have 1000 artists on our roster at present. This distribution partnership will open new vistas for producers looking to explore digital distribution and wanting to capitalise on Airtel’s inherent strengths of reach and connectivity.”

    Wynk Studio has gone from strength to strength since it was established. It has recently distributed independent singles such as “Love Token” from Manj Music and Anusha Dandekar, “Billo” from Vishal Dadlani and Nikhita Gandhi’s single “Pyaar mein Pagal”, a simultaneously romantic and groovy number, about a girl madly in love.

    Wynk offers music in 15 Indian languages and regional songs now account for over 30 per cent of the overall streams on the app. Songs in Oriya, Gujarati, Assamese, Marathi, Telugu and Bhojpuri have seen a growth of over 150 per cent and are popular outside their home states as well.

  • Bizongo ropes in Tushar Kamat as Chief Business Officer

    Bizongo ropes in Tushar Kamat as Chief Business Officer

    Mumbai: Bizongo, India’s leading supply chain automation platform, has announced the appointment of former Accenture managing director & Airtel business CEO Tushar Kamat as chief business officer. In his new role, Kamat will be responsible for business strategies, partnerships, marketing, monetization, growth and global expansion at Bizongo.

    Kamat’s appointment comes at a critical juncture as Bizongo looks at entering the unicorn club in early 2023. An accomplished veteran across technology domains, he has more than 25 years of experience in sales leadership, scaling business growth, and enabling business transformation by developing go-to-market strategies for generating revenue.

    Kamat has been associated with leading technology organizations including SAP, Accenture, Airtel, and TCS. In his most recent role as field operating unit head for the India business at Automation Anywhere, he drove hyper-scale business growth by 250 per cent during the covid era.

    Bizongo chief operating officer Aniket Deb said, “Kamat joins us at a very exciting juncture in our growth journey. We are confident that his strategic outlook and growth mindset will help us achieve profitable business growth and create value for our customers & vendors. His ability to deliver large-scale impact will enable us to scale our vision faster and digitally transform vendor management and the entire supply chain for MSMEs.”

    Commenting on his appointment, Kamat said, “I am very excited to join Bizongo during this hyper-growth phase. I am confident to leverage my diverse experience to transform and grow Bizongo’s business in India and globally.”

    Kamat is also co-founder & non-executive partner of Nyaasah Care LLP, a social start-up aimed at providing care with empathy for senior citizens leading a lonely life in India.

  • In partnership with Airtel, Big Boss Marathi announces new plot-twists and innovative brand integrations

    In partnership with Airtel, Big Boss Marathi announces new plot-twists and innovative brand integrations

    Mumbai: Bigg Boss Marathi has partnered with Airtel to install a phone booth inside the ‘house’ through which the contestants can connect with anyone outside the show.

    Essence, the global data and measurement-driven media agency behind this innovation, has left no stone unturned in creating a one-of-a-kind experience for both contestants and viewers of the unrivalled show.

    The phone booth also plays the signature Airtel song, transporting viewers on a nostalgic journey.

    For the first time, Airtel ran a Bigg Boss contest in which the lucky winner was chosen from millions of Airtel customers to be a part of the ‘house.’ For the first time in Marathi television history, a unique brand association like this has resulted in a commoner winning a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of this magnitude.

    Bigg Boss Marathi is in its fourth season, hosted by the versatile actor-director-producer Mahesh Manjrekar, and features an exciting mix of 16 housemates who make the season an entertainment extravaganza.

    This season promises nonstop entertainment, exclusive cuts, round-the-clock content drops, and a 24-hour live feed from the house, exclusively on Voot, Monday through Friday.

    Viacom18 Regional Entertainment revenue head Bikash Kundu said, “We are thrilled to join hands with India’s leading telecom company, Airtel, through an innovation-driven marketing concept. While the phone booth became a huge hit on the show, the contest received a humongous response across traditional and new-age media. We reached out to the combined user base of Airtel and Colors Marathi through TVCs, on-ground activations, push messages, recorded announcements and messages, among other initiatives, making the campaign a massive success.”

    Essence managing director (India) Sonali Malaviya commented, “As Airtel’s integrated media agency of record, Essence is excited to partner with Viacom18 and Colors Marathi on this custom content innovation initiative. Leveraging the popular reality television show Bigg Boss, the idea and execution have enabled us to help drive increased consumer engagement and brand consideration for Airtel in the market. We look forward to collaborating on even more creative opportunities and breakthrough experiences to help Airtel win in the dynamic telecommunications category.”

  • PM Modi launches 5G services in India

    PM Modi launches 5G services in India

    Mumbai: On Saturday, prime minister Narendra Modi launched 5G services in India at the India Mobile Congress in New Delhi.

    At the launch, while addressing the nation, Modi said that 5G technology will revolutionise the telecom sector and that it is a historic day for India in the twenty-first century. “The launch of 5G is a gift from the telecom industry to 130 crore Indians. It is a step toward a new era in the country, and is the beginning of infinite opportunities.”

    He emphasised how digital India’s success is based on four pillars, including the cost of a device, digital connectivity, data costs, and the digital first approach.

    Over the next few years, the services will gradually expand to cover the entire country. The fifth generation (5G) service, capable of supporting ultra-high-speed internet, is expected to open up new economic opportunities and societal benefits, serving as a transformative force in Indian society.

    Also read: Reliance Jio to roll out 5G services in major cities by Diwali

    “Earlier, the cost of one GB of data was about Rs 300. It has come down to about Rs 10 per GB now. On average, a person in India consumes 14 GB per month. This would have cost about Rs 4,200 per month but costs Rs 125-150. It’s the efforts of the government that led to this,” he added.

    Speaking further, Modi said, “With developments in technology and telecom, India will lead the industry’s 4.0 revolution. This is not the decade of India, but the century of India.”

    At the event, Modi was accompanied by telecom minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, junior telecom minister Devusinh Chauhan, and Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani, Bharti Enterprises founder & chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal, and Aditya Birla Group chairman Kumar Manglam Birla.

    After officially opening the show, Modi visited pavilions set up by several telecom carriers and technology providers to get a first-hand look at what 5G is capable of. He began at the Reliance Jio booths.

    Reliance chairman Mukesh Ambani thanked the prime minister for inspiring the vision of a developed nation by 2047. “Every action and policy of the government is skillfully crafted to propel India towards that goal. Steps taken to fast-track India’s march into the 5G era provide compelling proof of our prime minister’s determination.”

    He narrated the possibilities of 5G in key areas like education, education, and climate change, etc. “Your leadership has raised India’s prestige, profile, and power globally like never before. In today’s fast-changing world, there will be no stopping a resurgent India from soaring to the top,” Ambani concluded.

    Bharti Enterprise chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal remarked that the launch of 5G is the beginning of a new era and since it is happening during “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav,” it makes it even more special. “With the efforts of the prime minister, this will usher in new energy in the country. We are fortunate to have a leader in the prime minister who understands technology very well and has deployed it to the development of the country in an unmatched manner,” he noted.

    Mittal further said that it will open up a sea of opportunities for people, especially in our rural areas. He recalled the PM’s initiatives in the fields of infrastructure and technology from his Gujarat CM days. He said that during the pandemic, traffic shifted to villages and homes and the country’s heartbeat did not stop even for a second. Credit for that goes to the digital vision. He also praised the audacity and achievement of the vision of “Make in India.” “Along with “Digital India,” the prime minister also took forward the “Start-up India” campaign and, soon enough, India started producing unicorns,” Shri Mittal added. “With the advent of 5G, I’m sure that the country will add many more unicorns to the world.”

    Aditya Birla Group Chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla called the advent of 5G a transformational event that proves India’s prowess on the global stage and reiterates the role of telecom technology as the bedrock of India’s growth. He thanked Modi for his vision and leadership for a generational leap in technology that has resulted in India’s making a mark on the global stage. He also thanked the PM for his inspirational role in supporting the telecom industry during the ongoing pandemic and for the path-breaking telecom reforms in the industry.

    Birla said that the launch of 5G marks the beginning of an exciting journey for India. “We will see limitless potential for 5G development and use cases in the years to come,” he added.

    Reliance Jio connected a teacher from a school in Mumbai with students in three different locations in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Odisha.

    The Vodafone Idea test case demonstrated the safety of workers in an under-construction tunnel of the Delhi Metro through the creation of a ‘Digital-Twin’ of the tunnel on the dias.

    In the Airtel demo, students from Dankaur, Uttar Pradesh, witnessed a lively and immersive educational experience to learn about the solar system with the help of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR).

  • Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan is back on Indian screen after Airtel & Zindagi announce partnership

    Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan is back on Indian screen after Airtel & Zindagi announce partnership

    Mumbai: The popular Pakistani channel Zindagi is set to launch as a special service on Airtel from 15 September, 2022.

    Zindagi will aim to bring audiences a plethora of unique and entertaining offerings. The channel has consistently been at the forefront of bringing thought-provoking and distinct stories to the masses.This service will be free of charge on Airtel for the first 10 days, followed by Rs 2.5 per day.

    The night started with Dumpukht Aatish-e-Ishq at 7 p.m., starring the talented Nauman Ijaz, Bilal Abbas Khan and Sonia Mishal, followed by Digest Writer at 8.30 p.m., starring actor Saba Qamar. Besides, another power-packed line-up for September includes Mann Mayal, starring actors Maya Ali and Hamza Ali Abbasi; the show will air on 19 September at 5:30 p.m. Tracing the journey of a single mother, the teleplay Behadd, starring actors Fawad Khan, Nadia Jamil, and Sajal Ali, will air on 25 September at 8 p.m.

    Speaking of the launch of this channel on Airtel, Zee special projects chief creative officer Shailja Kejriwal said, “We are elated to have received immense love and support from our audiences across the globe. It is a proud moment for us as we announce Zindagi’s association with Airtel and partner with them to provide audiences with stories they can resonate with. We continue to reinstate our belief in growing together and reaching out to a larger audience base. Launching on Airtel as a special service drives us to inspire our audiences as we work towards making Zindagi a part of every household.”

    Zindagi has been widely appreciated by the audience for showcasing stories that are relevant, relatable, and impactful.