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Tag: Mobile

  • APOS 2025 predicts that Asia’s screen economy will shift gears as digital eats into TV pie and growth slows

    APOS 2025 predicts that Asia’s screen economy will shift gears as digital eats into TV pie and growth slows

    BALI : The 16th edition of the APOS Summit opened in Bali with a blunt forecast: Asia-Pacific’s media juggernaut is heading into rougher waters. “The next wave in Asia is here and it looks very different,” said Media Partners Asia founder Vivek Couto, addressing 550 delegates from across the region’s fast-evolving screen economy.

    Asia’s screen count is booming—from 4.5 billion today to 5.5 billion by 2030—with smartphones still king, rising to 4.4 billion, and connected TVs becoming the fastest-growing segment at 13 per cent CAGR. Yet the party is winding down. After raking in $36 billion in new revenues during the pandemic-era gold rush (2020–25), the region now expects just $16 billion more over the next five years. The culprit? A steady erosion in traditional TV’s dominance.

    “Monetisation is decisively shifting to digital,” Couto declared. TV, which currently commands 49 per cent of screen revenues, will sink to 41 per cent by 2030. In its place, premium video (SVOD/AVOD) will rise to 29 per cent and UGC/social video will power up to 24 per cent. Theatrical remains flat.

    China and India dominate the region’s screen scale—72 per cent by 2030—while Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand lead in screen growth. Three markets—China, Japan and India—will account for almost 75 per cent of screen revenues. But their playbooks couldn’t be more different.

    China’s model is fuelled by short-form content, micro-dramas and a mature VOD sector monetised through ads and transactions. Japan stays TV-centric with high-ARPU SVOD and premium AVOD. India is firing on both cylinders with ads and value-led subscriptions across streaming and broadcast, and mobile-first, hybrid OTT platforms.

    Local champions are holding their ground. JioStar is the fastest riser in India, on track to cross $1 billion this year. Australia’s Foxtel and Nine, Korea’s TVING, Indonesia’s Vidio and Thailand’s TrueID are proving that scale outside of global behemoths is not only possible—it’s profitable. “The new video economy isn’t just digital-native—it’s cross-platform,” Couto stressed.

    YouTube still rules the roost, projected to hit $18–19 billion in regional revenues by 2030, followed by ByteDance’s Douyin and TikTok, which are closing in on $10 billion combined. Netflix dominates premium VOD beyond China, with Disney+ and Prime Video scaling in Japan, India and Southeast Asia. Japan’s U-Next is riding a strong mix of sports, local content and Hollywood imports.

    Meanwhile, the creator economy is exploding—with over 100 million creators in 2024 expected to grow to 165 million by 2030. China’s micro-drama boom has already become a $7 billion beast, now expanding globally. “It’s part entertainment, part conversion funnel,” Couto said. Platforms are blurring content and commerce, particularly in China and southeast Asia, where creators are anchoring live shopping and branded content ecosystems.

    Premium content is still critical, but the free-spending days are done. Investment in streaming originals is projected to climb from $17 billion to $21 billion by 2030, but platforms are asking tougher questions: What retains? What monetises? What builds the ecosystem?

    Retail media is the region’s new digital ad workhorse, expected to drive $45 billion in spend by 2030—$26 billion in China, $10 billion in India and $9 billion in Japan. While SVOD and AVOD still rake in the bulk of video monetisation, it’s the integration of retail commerce and media that’s reshaping the ad game.

    Couto’s closing pitch was a rallying cry for innovation: “Asia-Pacific leads the world in screens, time spent and innovation. We’re no longer just a consumption story—we’re a revenue engine. But this next phase is more competitive. Growth must be earned.”

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  • Charter & Cox to merge to create largest cable TV & broadband provider in the US

    Charter & Cox to merge to create largest cable TV & broadband provider in the US

    MUMBAI: In a mega-merger straight out of a business blockbuster, Charter Communications and Cox Communications have inked a definitive agreement to combine their businesses, creating an industry giant in mobile, broadband, and video entertainment. As part of the agreement,  Charter Communications will buy the privately held rival Cox for $21.9 billion.

    The deal values Cox Communications at a cool $34.5 billion, calculated using Charter’s 2025 estimated adjusted EBITDA multiple.

    Under this arrangement, Charter will snap up Cox’s commercial fibre, managed IT, and cloud businesses, while Cox’s residential cable will be folded into Charter Holdings, a subsidiary of Charter. The merger, which still needs regulatory and shareholder approval, will see Cox Enterprises pocket $4 billion in cash, $6 billion in convertible preferred units, and 33.6 million common units in Charter’s partnership.

    The merger will  create the largest US cable TV and broadband provider with around 38 million subscribers, surpassing market leader Comcast. Industry observers may recollect that Charter had last year agreed to acquire cable TV billionaire John Malone’s Liberty Broadband, which will now have an indirect interest in Cox, following the merger’s clearance.

    The Cox family, which has been in the cable business since 1962, is handing over the reins to Charter but keeping a significant seat at the table. Cox Enterprises, will own approximately 23 per cent of the combined entity and its CEO Alex Taylor will become chairman of Charter’s board, while Chris Winfrey  will continue as president & CEO of the combined company.

    “We’re honored that the Cox family has entrusted us with its impressive legacy and are excited by the opportunity to benefit from the terrific operating history and community leadership of Cox,” said Winfrey. “Cox and Charter have been innovators in connectivity and entertainment services – with decades of work and hundreds of billions of dollars invested to build, upgrade, and expand our complementary regional networks to provide high-quality internet, video, voice and mobile services. This combination will augment our ability to innovate and provide high-quality, competitively priced products, delivered with outstanding customer service, to millions of homes and businesses. We will continue to deliver high-value products that save American families money, and we’ll onshore jobs from overseas to create new, good-paying careers for US employees that come with great benefits, career training and advancement, and retirement and ownership opportunities.” 

    “Our family has always believed that investing for the long-term and staying committed to the best interests of our customers, employees and communities is the best recipe for success,” said Taylor. “In Charter, we’ve found the right partner at the right time and in the right position to take this commitment to a higher level than ever before, delivering an incredible outcome for our customers, employees, suppliers and the local communities we serve.”

    In a patriotic move, the combined company is pledging to bring customer service jobs back to the US, with all employees earning a starting wage of at least $20 per hour, alongside industry-leading benefits. Cox customers will also be treated to Charter’s famed 100 per cent US-based customer support, fast technician dispatches, and transparent pricing—no more surprise fees.

    The consumer-facing brand across Cox’s territories will become Spectrum, while the combined company will eventually rebrand as Cox Communications, maintaining its headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut, and a significant presence in Atlanta, Georgia.

    Spectrum customers can expect access to advanced wifi, Spectrum Mobile with mobile speed boost, and the Spectrum TV app, all under a simplified pricing model. For business customers, Charter’s robust portfolio of business telecom services, including Segra and RapidScale, will become part of the combined offering.
    The merger isn’t just about size—it’s about smarts. With more network muscle, the new entity will ramp up investments in mobile, video, and AI tools while taking the fight to big tech in advertising and content distribution.

    The deal is expected to generate $500 million in annual cost savings within three years, thanks to streamlined operations and better buying power. But it’s not just about the bottom line—Charter will establish a $50 million foundation to support community leadership in Cox’s territories and launch an employee relief fund to help staff in times of crisis.

    The combined company will carry Cox’s $12 billion in debt but expects higher cash flow and better investment returns over time, with a new leverage target of 3.5x to 4.0x. Industry observers may recollect that Charter had last year agreed to acquire cable TV billionaire John Malone’s Liberty Broadband, which will now have an indirect interest in Cox, following the merger. 

    It’s a blockbuster telecom tale where two rivals become allies, customers win, and big tech finally faces a serious challenger.

  • Indian mobile count goes up as does broadband: TRAI data Jan 2025

    Indian mobile count goes up as does broadband: TRAI data Jan 2025

    MUMBAI: India’s telecom sector added a modest 2.1 million net subscribers in January 2025, nudging the total count to 1.19 billion, according to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s monthly data release. But it wasn’t all smooth signal—wireline connections tanked, dropping over 10 per cent as TRAI shifted 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) from wired to wireless accounting.

    Mobile still rules the roost, with 1.16 billion users riding the wireless wave, including 5.7 million FWA users. Urban India continued to drive growth, adding over 5 million new mobile connections. Meanwhile, rural areas quietly chipped in with just under a million more.

    Broadband subscriptions inched up 0.04 per cent to 945.16 million—an uninspiring climb, considering Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel hold over 80 per cent of the market. Wireline broadband, meanwhile, shrank slightly as users cut the cord in favour of FWA.
    MARKETSHAREDATAMobile Number Portability (MNP) remained red-hot with 14.14 million requests in Jan alone—pushing the all-time tally past 1.09 billion. Uttar Pradesh (East) and Maharashtra topped the charts for most switched loyalties.
    The market remains firmly in private hands, with Jio and Airtel leading across broadband and mobile. 

    Government-owned players like BSNL and MTNL continue to struggle, holding just 8 per cent of wireless subscribers and less than a quarter of the wireline market.

    Tele-density stood at 84.54 per cent—Delhi being the most connected with an eye-popping 274 per cent, while Bihar lagged behind at 56.6 per cent.

    And while fixed lines may be flatlining, India’s telecom story continues to be a mostly wireless wonder.

  • Bharti Enterprises completes 24.5 per cent stake acquisition in UK’s BT group

    Bharti Enterprises completes 24.5 per cent stake acquisition in UK’s BT group

    MUMBAI: Bharti Airtel’s  Sunil Mittal has planted his company’s flag on the Britain’s biggest broadband and mobile company, the BT group. Earlier this week, Bharti Global, the international investment arm of Bharti Enterprises, completed the acquisition of a 24.5 per cent stake in BT from businessman Patrick Drahi. The stake was sold via Altice UK in two parts, the second of which is now completed.

    Mittal had announced in August 2024 that he would be buying a 9.9 per cent stake immediately, and would buy the remainder later after his group gets the necessary regulatory approvals. The purchase of the remainder shareholding makes Bharti Enterprises the single largest shareholder in BT group. The entire transaction cost Bharti 4.32 billion Euros. 

    In a statement Mittal said he was delighted to have “completed our investment into BT. Bharti has long recognised the enormous potential of the business. BT’s renewed focus on optimisation, strengthening networks and driving consumer growth makes it well placed to consolidate its position as a leading global telecom company that delivers long-term value for investors.”

  • How 1xbit.com is Changing the Game for Sports Betting Enthusiasts

    How 1xbit.com is Changing the Game for Sports Betting Enthusiasts

    Sports betting has changed a lot in recent years with the platforms that are always changing and evolving to suit user requirements. Among these, 1xbit APK stands out due to its unique properties compared with conventional sports betting sites because of its innovative features and a user-friendly interface.

    What About Cryptocurrency Integration?

    Among the most outstanding things which can be noticed about 1xbit.com is the all-inclusive integration of cryptocurrencies. Several digital currencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum among other options can be used for gambling by users. This offers numerous benefits because of: 
    ●    increased privacy; 
    ●    faster transactions; 
    ●    lower fees compared to traditional fiat currencies.

    Those bettors who value anonymity and fast payouts may find this option especially attractive.

    Wide Range of Sports and Events

    The platform 1xbit.com covers numerous activities, eliminating any chance that there will not be anything for every sporting fun. The platform’s selections range from such popular sports like football, basketball or tennis to niche ones like esports, darts or even weather betting. In this way it allows customers to try out different bets while also exposing them to new areas of interest.

    User-Friendly Interface – Must Have

    The user is the first thing to be considered when designing the platform’s interface that provides an instinctive and seamless betting experience. The website has a neat and well-organized layout which facilitates navigation by both new and expert bettors. This improves the user experience because people can place their bets efficiently and they will be more informed.

    Live Betting and Streaming

    Live betting at 1xbit.com is great with up-to-date odds as well as many in-play markets. This allows for live betting while games are on, makes it more engaging and entertaining for fans who love watching sports events. Also, the platform offers live streaming of various events such that users can follow the event as they place their bets.

    Bonuses and Promotions

    Such bonuses add value to 1xbit.com making it even more attractive than before. For instance, new users can receive a big welcome bonus while existing ones get access to ongoing promotions such as cashback deals, accumulator boosts, or loyalty programs. These deal senders encourage users to keep on playing on this platform since there is something for everyone.

    Security and Support

    When it comes to 1xbit.com, security is a first-rate issue with elevated level encryption technology that makes certain safety of user data and transactions. The company also offers solid customer support including all time live-chat which is open throughout the week and detailed question-based responses for any difficulty.

    What About Mobile Accessibility?

    Concerning mobile accessibility, 1xbit.com has a completely optimized mobile version of its website as well as separate apps for iOS and Android devices which allows users to make bets, manage their accounts and track live events wherever they are thereby making it flexible and convenient.

    To Wrap Up

    What sets apart 1xbit from other sports betting sites: 
    ●    cryptocurrency acceptance; 
    ●    wide variety of sports and events available on the site; 
    ●    combination of simple interface; 
    ●    good live betting options focused on user experience.

    Additionally, attractive bonuses given by this platform, high security measures implemented in the site, convenient mobile access are among those reasons why many people prefer it. For sport bettors who want a fresh approach from what they have always been used to then 1xbit would be their game changer.

    Disclaimer: This article is a paid publication and does not have journalistic/ editorial involvement of indiantelevision.com. indiantelevision.com group or its websites does not endorse/subscribe to the contents of the article/advertisement and/or views expressed herein or any of the results of the products/services sold by the companies neither do we endorse the products as the publisher in any way.

    The reader is further advised that such investments can be highly risky. Indiantelevision.com group shall not in any manner, be responsible and/or liable in any manner whatsoever for all that is stated in the article and/or also with regard to the views, opinions, announcements, declarations, results, health outcomes, affirmations etc., stated/featured in the same. The decision to read hereinafter is purely a matter of choice and shall be construed as an express undertaking/guarantee in favor of indiantelevision.com (indiantelevision.com group) of being absolved from any/ all potential legal action, or enforceable claims. The content may be for information and awareness purposes and does not constitute any kind of investment advice from the website owners or the editorial team. 
     

  • Vodafone Idea lost 4 mn wireless subscribers in September 2022: Trai

    Vodafone Idea lost 4 mn wireless subscribers in September 2022: Trai

    Mumbai: As per subscription data by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai), Reliance Jio added 0.72 million wireless subscribers at the end of September 2022. Bharti Airtel added 0.41 million subscribers during the same period. Vodafone Idea, on the other hand, lost 4 million wireless subscribers.

    The total number of wireless subscribers decreased to 1,145.45 million at the end of September 2022, in comparison to 1,149.11 million at the end of August 2022.

    The number of wireless subscribers in urban areas increased from 627.09 million to 627.14 million for the same period, while in rural areas it decreased from 522.02 million to 518.31 million.

    In September 2022, as per Trai data, there were 1,013.97 million active wireless subscribers. Reliance Jio had the highest number of active wireless subscribers at 386.08 million during the period, followed by Bharti Airtel at 358.99 million and Vodafone Idea at 212.19 million. From public-sector units, BSNL had 56.23 million active wireless subscribers.

    As per information received from 846 operators in September 2022, Trai found that total broadband subscribers increased from 813.94 million to 816.24 million. In September 2022, the broadband subscribers comprised 783.99 million mobile device users, 31.09 million wired subscribers, and 1.15 million fixed wireless subscribers.

    The top five service providers constituted 98.36 per cent of the total broadband subscribers at the end of September 2022. These service providers were Reliance Jio Infocomm with 426.80 million subscribers, followed by Bharti Airtel (225.09 million), Vodafone Idea (123.20 million), BSNL (25.62 million), and Atria Convergence (2.14 million).

    The top wired broadband service providers included are Reliance Jio Infocomm with 6.83 million subscribers, followed by Bharti Airtel (5.27 million), BSNL (3.91 million), Atria Convergence (2.14 million), and Hathway Cable & Datacom (1.13 million).

    Reliance Jio Infocomm, with 419.97 million subscribers, is followed by Bharti Airtel (219.82 million), Vodafone Idea (123.20 million), BSNL (21.71 million), and Intech Online (0.23 million) in the list of the top five wireless broadband service providers.

    The number of wireline subscribers increased from 25.97 million in September 2022 compared to 26.47 million in August 2022.

    The number of telephone subscribers decreased from 1,175.08 million to 1,171.92 million during the same period.

    Both urban and rural telephone subscribers recorded increases in numbers from 651.07 million to 651.61 million and 524.01 million to 520.30 million, respectively, at the end of September 2022.

    Also, during the same period, a total of 11.97 million requests were received for mobile number portability (MNP).

  • Ekalavya Bhattacharya appointed Offbeet Media Group’s chief digital officer

    Ekalavya Bhattacharya appointed Offbeet Media Group’s chief digital officer

    Mumbai: After successfully launching and running the OTT platform of Balaji – ALT Balaji, Ekalavya Bhattacharya has joined the new age media and content company, Offbeet Media group to set up and lead the esports and web3 verticals for the group. With this move, FusedBulb, a creative-tech company started by Bhattacharya that offers web3 and blockchain strategy, would also be merging into Offbeet Media.

    He joins Offbeet Media after a stint at Alt Balaji as chief strategy officer & creative director. Prior to that, as MTV India digital head, he was also instrumental in charting the map for the digital and social growth for MTV India with many award winning campaigns and properties to his credit.

    “The gaming industry today, globally, is bigger than movie + sports combined. It’s growing rapidly across mobile, PC and console markets in India as well. Within gaming, esports is capturing the imagination of everyone in the media industry and is the most attractive route to connect with GenZ and millennials today. With streaming and game-casting audiences growing month-on-month, this is a super exciting space to be in! We want to set up India’s most definitive Esports Academy and be the leaders in the event space for competitive gaming!” he said.

    He will also be setting up the web3 vertical for the group. “Web3 is the natural progression for the evolution of the web. The opportunities in the Metaverse, decentralised eco-systems, NFTs and blockchain tech is endless. Right from consumer engagement, immersive experiences, efficiency in supply chains, Web3 is the way to go and we are excited to be the go-to guys for brands in this space,” he said.

    Offbeet Media Group founder & CEO Jaideep Singh said “At Offbeet we have been continuously evolving and expanding, entering into new streams of business lines in sync with our vision of being a New Age media and content company and we are super excited to have Bhattacharya joining us. He will bolster our business offering and overall capabilities in the digital footprint across all our rapidly growing business lines.”

  • Reliance Jio adds 3.28 mn wireless subscribers in August : Trai

    Reliance Jio adds 3.28 mn wireless subscribers in August : Trai

    Mumbai: As per subscription data by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai), Reliance Jio added 3.28 million wireless subscribers at the end of August. Bharti Airtel added 0.32 million during the same period. In August, Vodafone Idea lost 1.95 million wireless subscribers.

    The total number of wireless subscribers increased from 1,148.03 million to 1,149.11 million in August. The number of wireless subscribers in urban areas increased from 626.74 million to 627.09 million. However, wireless subscriptions in rural areas increased from 521.29 million to 522.02 million.

    As per Trai data, there were 1013.46 million active wireless subscribers during the month. Reliance Jio had the highest number of active wireless subscribers at 384.63 million, followed by Bharti Airtel at 357.66 million and Vodafone Idea at 214.29 million. BSNL had 56.23 million active wireless subscribers.

    As per information received from 767 operators in August, Trai found that total broadband subscribers increased from 807.42 million to 813.94 million. The broadband subscribers comprised 782.46 mobile device users, 30.37 million wired subscribers, and 1.11 million fixed wireless subscribers.

    The top five broadband service providers were Reliance Jio Infocomm with 425.80 million subscribers, followed by Bharti Airtel (223.98 million), Vodafone Idea (123.12 million), BSNL (25.80 million), and Atria Convergence (2.13 million).

    The top five wired broadband service providers were Reliance Jio Infocomm with 6.56 million subscribers, followed by Bharti Airtel (5.13 million), BSNL (3.88 million), Atria Convergence (2.13 million) and Hathway Cable & Datacom (1.13 million).

    The top five wireless broadband service providers were Reliance Jio Infocomm (419.24 million), Bharti Airtel (218.85 million), Vodafone Idea (123.12 million), BSNL (21.92 million) and Intech Online (0.23 million).

    The number of wireline subscribers increased from 25.63 million to 25.97 million in August.

    The number of telephone subscribers in India increased from 1,173.66 million to 1,175.08.66 million. Urban telephone subscriptions increased from 650.40 million to 651.07 million. However, rural subscriptions also increased from 523.26 million to 524.01 million.

    During August, a total of 11.35 million requests were received for mobile number portability (MNP).

  • Reliance Jio adds 2.9 mn wireless subscribers in July: Trai

    Reliance Jio adds 2.9 mn wireless subscribers in July: Trai

    Mumbai: Reliance Jio added 2.9 million wireless subscribers at the end of July, as per subscription data by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai). Bharti Airtel added 0.51 million wireless subscribers during the same period. Vodafone Idea lost 1.54 wireless subscribers in July.

    The total number of wireless subscribers increased from 1,147.39 to 1,148.03 million in July. The number of wireless subscribers in urban areas decreased from 625.49 million to 626.74 million. However, wireless subscriptions in rural areas increased from 521.90 million to 521.29 million.

    As per Trai data, there were 1,013.18 million active wireless subscribers during the month. Reliance Jio had the highest number of active wireless subscribers at 382.17 million, followed by Bharti Airtel at 356.17 million and Vodafone Idea at 216.92 million. BSNL had 52.27 active wireless subscribers.

    As per information received from 694 operators in July, Trai found that total broadband subscribers increased from 800.94 million to 807.42 million. The broadband subscribers comprised 776.81 mobile device users, 29.47 million wired subscribers, and 1.14 million fixed wireless subscribers.

    The top five broadband service providers were Reliance Jio Infocomm with 422.23 million subscribers, Bharti Airtel with 222.12 million subscribers, Vodafone Idea with 122.98 million subscribers, BSNL with 25.25 million subscribers, and Atria Convergence with 2.13 million subscribers.

    The top five wired broadband service providers were Reliance Jio Infocomm with 6.27 million subscribers, Bharti Airtel with 4.99 million subscribers, BSNL with 3.85 million subscribers, Atria Convergence with 2.13 million subscribers, and Hathway Cable and Datacom with 1.13 million subscribers.

    The top five wireless broadband service providers were Reliance Jio Infocomm with 415.96 million, Bharti Airtel with 217.13 million, Vodafone Idea with 122.97 million, BSNL with 21.39 million, and Intech Online with 0.22 million.

    The number of wireline subscribers increased from 25.57 million to 25.63 million in July.

    The number of telephone subscribers in India increased from 1,172.96 million to 1,173.66 million. Urban telephone subscriptions increased from 649.09 million to 650.40 million. However, rural subscriptions decreased from 523.87 million to 523.26 million.

    During July, a total of 10.23 million requests were received for mobile number portability (MNP).

  • VI brings live darshan of Lalbaugcha raja to its loyal customers

    VI brings live darshan of Lalbaugcha raja to its loyal customers

    Mumbai: To enable its customers to experience the Lord Ganesha from anywhere in the world, telecom brand, Vodafone Idea will be streaming live darshan of Lalbaugcha raja on Vi App and Vi Movies & TV App, powered by ShemarooMe.

    The Ganesh Festival will be celebrated from 31 August to 9 September across the country.

    Vi customers can access the Vi Movies & TV App or Vi App from their mobile devices to watch live daily virtual aartis throughout the 10-day festive period.

    The daily aarti will be streamed live at 1:00 p.m and 8:30 p.m. In addition, Vi customers will be able to watch Ganesha documentaries on the Vi App and Vi Movies & TV App.

    On Anant Chaturdashi, viewers can join the live-streamed visarjan procession and bid Ganpati Bappa farewell until 10 p.m.

    Vi has also made special arrangements to install Led screens in select Vi stores in Mumbai, which will broadcast Lalbaugcha Raja’s live darshan for the benefit of visitors and the general public.