ITV

Tag: MSO

  • Kolkata cable TV network rebuilding after cyclone Amphan

    Kolkata cable TV network rebuilding after cyclone Amphan

    KOLKATA: Amid the Covid2019 crisis, several districts of West Bengal including Kolkata had been devastated by powerful cyclone Amphan last month. Cable TV and broadband service providers are reeling across the state due to huge infrastructural losses. Although the players are putting high effort to normalise connections, many areas are still in dire straits. Siti Cable director Suresh Sethia estimates that 1-1.5 lakh set-top boxes and fibres of few crores have been damaged across the state.

    Sethia says that none of the operators had the preparation to protect themselves from this disastrous cyclone given its magnitude. Even now, some areas in Kolkata have seen electricity resume a few days ago while there are areas in West Bengal where electricity is still a challenge. This coupled with limited manpower due to Covid2019 is making the task tougher.

    He adds that more than 1,50,000 trees fell down and a number of lampposts which bear cables were razed. The operators have to work from scratch in those areas. 

    Talking about the magnitude of damage, he states more than 50,000 set-top-boxes have been damaged of Siti Networks. However, the numbers might increase. Along with that, there are many control rooms where headends have been blown away incurring more losses. 

    Siti Cable teams have been working round-the-clock to normalise the situation. Many of the workforce are staying in office for 20-25 days to ensure the network is on everywhere. However, he also adds that now they are looking at rebuilding it. All players in Kolkata have come to work together in the crisis and very soon they may have a common plan of pulling the cables and maintaining them together.

    Sethia happily shares that majority of consumers have understood the situation. While they were also struggling with damages from the cyclone, they started contacting cable operators after eight days. “Had the cables be underground, maybe the disruption would have been less,” he believes. While Siti Networks is now focusing on rebuilding the network after temporary damage control, it will look at more underground cable lines.  

  • Hathway appoints Pradeep Hejmadi as CMO

    Hathway appoints Pradeep Hejmadi as CMO

    MUMBAI: Hathway Cable and Datacom Pvt Ltd appointed Pradeep Hejmadi as the chief marketing officer in April. Among many developments, the appointment went unnoticed.

    Hejmadi comes with more than two decades of experience in the media and entertainment sector. He was associated with brands like Discovery India, Zee TV, Turner and MTV. 

    “Seasoned leader with deep knowledge of consumer research and advanced analytics, experienced in building and leading large, multi-disciplinary teams in matrix organizations. Passion of transforming datasets into business insights, driving operational efficiency and effectiveness in transnational organisations,” Hejmadi’s LinkedIn profile says. 

  • GTPL Hathway increases CAPEX in upgrading network, 70% transmitted into GPON technology

    GTPL Hathway increases CAPEX in upgrading network, 70% transmitted into GPON technology

    MUMBAI: Traditional distributors like cable operators are feeling the heat of the competition from a number of easily accessible streaming services. But large multi-system operators are not sitting idle to watch the ruin of their long-built businesses. Hence, constantly upgrading has become the key to adapt in changing business environment. GTPL Hathway is one of them which is putting more CAPEX in upgrading the network and moving towards a hybrid model of business.

    The company is looking at Rs 250-260 crore CAPEX for FY 21 and around Rs 150 crore to Rs 160 crore will go into the cable business; the rest will go into the broadband business. But it will have to reevaluate it somewhere in quarter two to see what is the Covid2019 effect and how much longer the effect is going to be. 

    GTPL Hathway chairman and non-executive director Rajan Gupta explains in an investors call that a significant amount of CAPEX has been invested in upgrading the network. While the MSO was earlier relying on Metro Ethernet Network (MEN) technology,  most of that has been upgraded now to fiber-to-building (FTTB) and fiber-to-home (FTTH). 

    He adds that they have seen see a huge increase in network training also in the last few quarters or a few months. 

    “We have to divide it into two parts. One is something called an access network and second is the last mile consumer equipment. So access network is capable of handling anything. On the last mile, you put two consumer premises equipment, or you put a hybrid equipment. And as far as legal is concerned, cable and broadband have separate licenses, one is MIB and second is the DoT. So, in any case, combined bill, etc., is not possible because both have different licensing requirement. So we have to differentiate between the access network technology and the last mile which is the consumer home,” Gupta speaks about the required investment for upgradation.

    GTPL Hathway CATV business head and chief strategy officer Piyush Pankaj says that now almost 70 per cent network is transmitted into GPON technology i.e, FTTH or FTTX. He also adds that they are working on the hybrid box and the order has been given. While the launch of the hybrid boxes, the combined business of cable, broadband and OTT together was scheduled somewhere in July, it may be extended it by one quarter due to Covid2019 crisis. He notes that they want to take benefit of these opportunities of all latest technologies to serve their customers better. 

    Jio, the shareholder of GTPL Hathway, is also focusing on broadband business highly. But GTPL Hathway promoter and managing director Anirudhsinh Jadeja mentions that Jio is not launching any cable TV business, so it isn't posing any additional competition. “They are majorly into the broadband business. So, yes, it's a privilege that Jio is our partner and we have almost very good understanding and we have a lot of synergy in terms of the infrastructure sharing and content sharing. So, we are not seeing right now any competition from Jio. We are complementing each other,” he adds.

    “See, all the synergies (with Jio) and benefits we are getting as GTPL Hathway will continue as usual, such as, from all the vendor negotiations, lease line side, etc. Yes, GTPL Hathway is doing its own broadband business as we are mainly doing it in Gujarat. Jio is with us, it's our privilege and we are going to complement each other's business on the ground,” Pankaj adds.

    The MSO launched Giga HD last year where it started providing cable and broadband together but had to roll it back just because of the NTO which was getting implemented. Now, it is coming with the hybrid box where it will provide cable, broadband and OTT together to the customer. The endeavour is to get double, triple or quadruple customers to take up the stickiness much higher. The company also seems less bothered about competition as it says all the areas where GTPL is operating there is no other private player but BSNL being the primary competition. 

  • Lockdown impact on cable operators: Drop in STB sale and collection from connections

    Lockdown impact on cable operators: Drop in STB sale and collection from connections

    MUMBAI: Despite higher viewership of linear television during the lockdown, the cable operators’ business in India has felt the heat of the Covid2019 pandemic. While sales of new set-top boxes and collection for existing connections witnessed a drop, customers down-traded packs. Due to these factors, especially in view of customers opting for cheaper packs, the multi-system operators (MSOs) expect a high double-digit decline in FY21 revenues.

    According to a survey done by INTIN on 92 MSOs (six per cent of overall base) across India, 63 per cent of cable operators maintained or improved their performance during the lockdown, overcoming several circumstantial challenges. Consumers also seem to be more satisfied as the number of received complaints increased for only 26 per cent operators.

    While many MSOs have stated during the period that they could not provide new connections due to restrictions, the survey points to their concerns. Sales of the new box dropped for 75 per cent of the operators. Moreover, the collection also dropped for 84 per cent of cable operators which could be attributed to the unwillingness for digital payment and the lack of infrastructure, coupled with the social distancing norms.

    Consumer sentiment is not high across industries due to the current economic scenario. It has reflected in the TV distribution business also as 41 per cent of operators experienced consumers down-trading to cheaper packs. Only nine per cent of the operators have witnessed addition of channels. There was an increase in demand for news channels and movie channels along with cable TV channels, but sports, GECs and infotainment reported a drop in demand.

    Owing to all the factors, 77 per cent of MSOs expect their revenues in 2020-21 to drop whereas 32 per cent expect this drop to be more than 25 per cent. However, 66 per cent also do not plan any drop in the pack prices. 

    OTT threat

    While Covid2019 has posed an unprecedented challenge for the MSOs, a larger – and long-term – challenge that is looming over them is the increasing consumer shift to over-the-top (OTT) platforms. Majority of cable operators (54 per cent) anticipate a negative impact of OTT on the cable TV business. However, some of the operators are already bringing change to their business model. For example, 25 per cent of cable operators have already launched their own OTTs. Fifty-seven per cent of operators are selling broadband service also with the hunger for data and higher bandwidth increasing across the country. But the statistics clearly indicate that a large number of MSOs are yet to upgrade their business models.

    Amid this difficult scenario, the report also suggests some healthy practices, such as 100 per cent online payment, launch of targeted consumers offers, easy instalment payment methods, focusing on own content, including launch of OTT and pure cable channels to prevent the de-growth. 

  • MIB asks MSOs to submit affidavit for DD channels carriage

    MIB asks MSOs to submit affidavit for DD channels carriage

    MUMBAI: The ministry of information & broadcasting (MIB) has asked MSOs to submit an affidavit that they will carry the additional channel launched by the pubcaster Doordarshan on their cable TV networks. While MIB notified another TV channel in the list of mandatory channels last year, MSOs need to extend their list including the channel filed through affidavit at the time of registration.

    “M/o information and Broadcasting vide Gazette Notification S.O. 4136 (E) dated 15.11.2019 had notified another TV channel in the list of mandatory TV channels to be carried on his network by MSO/cable operator making it a total of 27 channels (25 DD Channels, Lok Sabha channel and Rajya Sabha Channel). Accordingly, the list of mandatory TV channels to be carried by MSO duly undertaken vide their affidavit deemed to be extended to the extent including the additional TV channel notified on 15/11/2019 in their list filed through affidavit at the time of MSO registration,” MIB said in a notice.

    “As per Section 11 of the Cable TV Act, if any MSO does not carry mandatory channels on its network in violation of section 8 of the Act, then the authorised officer (DC/DM/SP/SDM/CP) is empowered to seize the equipment used for operation of cable TV network of the defaulters,” it added.

    In respect of a fresh application, the applicant MSOs are required to submit an affidavit to the effect that all mandatory channel will be carried on their networks. The affidavit would be on stamp paper of Rs 100 which will be sworn before a public notary appointed by central or state government.

  • Den Networks turns around biz, reports consolidated PAT of Rs 22.52 crore

    Den Networks turns around biz, reports consolidated PAT of Rs 22.52 crore

    MUMBAI: Major multi system operator (MSO) Den Networks  reported a consolidated profit after tax of Rs 22.52 crore in the fourth quarter ending 31 March 2020.

    The MSO reported consolidated net loss of Rs 212.82 crore in the corresponding period of previous fiscal. Revenue from operations in the fourth quarter stood at Rs 327.79 crore as compared with Rs 273.1 crore in the year-ago period.

    While its revenue from cable distribution network stood at Rs 310.18 crore in the January-March quarter as compared with Rs 255.11 crore in the corresponding period of previous fiscal, the broadband vertical had a revenue of Rs 17.62 crore as compared to Rs 17.99 crore in the fourth quarter of last FY.

    For FY20, the MSO’s consolidated profit after tax stood at Rs 58.64 crore while it had posted a consolidated loss of Rs 300.55 crore in 2018-19. Its consolidated revenue from operations in FY20 stood at Rs 1291.45 crore compared to  Rs 1206.07 crore in the previous fiscal.

  • Cable subscription collection sees 80% drop due to COVID-19

    Cable subscription collection sees 80% drop due to COVID-19

    MUMBAI: Cable operators have been facing problems in the collection of subscription fees since the third week of March as restrictions on social distancing started. Moreover, the countrywide lockdown has caused them more distress. Subscription collection of the operators from customers has fallen down, as Maharashtra Cable Operators’ Foundation (MCOF) stated. 

    “After the ministry of information and broadcasting permitted cable TV as an essential service, cable operators have been able to get their limited staff to attend to network-related issues. With no public transport, workers staying at faraway locations have not been able to attend,” it stated.

    “Subscription collection from customers has come down drastically as many societies and colonies have imposed restrictions on any entry into their complexes,” it added.

    MCOF mentioned that cable operators have to make payments to their respective MSOs upfront if they wish to activate any channel/package. But all MSOs get almost 30 to 60 days’ credit before they make any payment to the broadcasters. This is mainly due to the fact that MSOs have to generate monthly usage reports for the month, based on which the broadcasters will raise their invoices. These broadcaster invoices will then be processed by respective MSO accounts teams and payments made. 

    Against this backdrop, various cable associations have appealed to TRAI, MIB, and respective MSOs to either adopt post-paid services for April or to issue credit facilities to cable operators who are unable to collect.

    The AIDCF (All India Digital Cable Federation), the body of MSOs, has decided to keep only the mandatory channels of Doordarshan active for any STB which is not renewed in April. 

    It stated that cable operators are not financially strong to fund the MSOs and activate channels, especially when collections have dropped by 80 per cent or more. 

    Cable associations have advised cable operators the following: 

    ·   Cable operators should push customers to pay online using NEFT/UPI/wallets/credit or debit cards and activate services for those who have paid.

    ·    For those customers who do not pay online, cable operators can downgrade them to Free To Air Channel (FTA) Packs, since most viewing is happening on news channels (most of which are FTA channels) and DD providing re-runs of its popular serials at nil cost. Pay broadcasters have run out of fresh programming and all sporting activities having come to a halt, these can be activated for customers who make payments to cable operators. 

    ·   Cable operators are free to levy a convenience fee of up to Rs 30/- per month from a customer to renew the services without any upfront payment. Customers can opt for this by calling/messaging their respective cable networks and confirming their willingness to pay the same.

    “In over 25 to 30 years of this business, cable networks have gone through various natural calamities but we have always ensured that the subscribers get near-uninterrupted services. We request customers to stand by their respective cable operators as a mark of solidarity by using any online method of convenience to pay their cable operators or speak to their cable operator and exercise their best option,” the federation urged. 

  • IMCL launches innovative packages for subscribers to stay connected

    IMCL launches innovative packages for subscribers to stay connected

    MUMBAI:  IndusInd Media and Communications Ltd (IMCL), the media vertical of the global Hinduja Group, has implemented a slew of innovative products and solutions to help its Local Cable Operators (LCOs) and its millions of subscribers across India to ensure access to quality content amid the COVID-19 lockdown.

    IMCL – which owns a digital cable platform (InDigital) and the only HITS platform (NXTDIGITAL) in the country – has rolled out a significantly low-cost package for subscribers called the Vishesh Manoranjan Pack. 

    This pack, which gives subscribers access to over 400 television channels, includes the popular NXT Value Added Services package, comprising up to 20 unique channels for its subscribers. The package can be activated immediately and LCOs can make the payment till16 April 2020. The credit period effectively allows for LCOs to collect the payment after the lockdown is lifted.

    Further, to ensure uninterrupted dissemination of critical information during this challenging period, IMCL has worked with its LCO partners to activate its special InfoPack, at zero cost for customers who are unable to make any payment. This will enable subscribers to stay connected with all Doordarshan channels, including news and entertainment.

    These packages come close on the heels of a slew of initiatives taken by IMCL to ensure safety of its LCOs and subscribers. IMCL has provided critical awareness and education through its national network of LCOs, multiple platforms and portals – in 11 languages, through posters, pamphlets, e-books and video messaging. To help subscribers remain connected, IMCL has extended its online recharge facility through Easebuzz, where subscribers can make their payment directly to their LCOs online, thereby eliminating any level of interaction.

    IMCL CEO Vynsley Fernandes said: “We remain committed towards the well-being of our LCO partners and subscribers. At the time of a global crisis, our endeavour is to consistently create awareness and the dissemination of critical information, to ensure the safety and protection of all our stakeholders. These packages, especially our InfoPack at zero cost, are in line with that philosophy.”

  • Inside SITI Networks’ effort to grapple with COVID-19 crisis

    Inside SITI Networks’ effort to grapple with COVID-19 crisis

    MUMBAI: All of a sudden, our normal life has gone for a toss with the mandatory stay-at-home in place in order to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. As all physical options of communication, entertainment are now out of reach, traditional TV, online content, and the internet have emerged as a boon. Government has also declared cable TV and broadband a part of essential services during this time.

    SITI Network’s business continuity plan:

    Quickly grasping this situation and the importance of maintaining its services, as an effort to keep customers at home, SITI Networks has been working with its partners and governmental agencies to ensure that “the show must go on”. Its employees have upped the ante and are striving to ensure that customers’ connectivity remains intact so that they can remain at home. Multiple teams of technically trained and dedicated personnel are continuously working at the grassroots level to deal with any inconvenience to ensure that digital TV and broadband run smoothly for SITI’s 45 million customers. All this is happening despite not having full support from local administrations.

    SITI even released a best practice guide for its customers and partners on the SITI Information Channel 999 on its network. This guide informs customers on how to keep their connectivity running while keeping social distancing. SITI has also made available the option of Quick Recharge on its website www.sitinetworks.com, for the convenience of the customers. Through this, customers can recharge their account by sitting at home and without contacting LCO. The MSO has shared an educational video also with its consumers.

    SITI Networks CEO Anil Malhotra said: “We are in this fight, and have to ensure that our customers stay at home. In the words of our Dr Subhash Chandra, this will be our national service. In this battle, SITI employees strive to keep people stay indoors by providing them entertainment and information of their choice and preferences at home. The entire team is engaged to run the services smoothly. Our teams are maintaining the chain by their sheer willpower so that the Corona virus chain can be broken”.

  • Don’t disconnect cable service for next 1 month due to non-payment: West Bengal govt tells operators

    Don’t disconnect cable service for next 1 month due to non-payment: West Bengal govt tells operators

    MUMBAI: West Bengal government has directed not to disconnect cable TV connections for the next one month if subscribers fail to pay monthly bill. This is in view of the fact that there are chances of households being unable to meet monthly expenses on account of the current impasse due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

    “In view of the lockdown, Cable TV connections should not be disconnected by the service providers for the next one month on account of non-payment of subscription fee,” the chief secretary stated in a letter dated 31 March. According to sources, other states may replicate the move.

    Indians have been spending more time in front of their television, as per data released by TV viewership measurement agency BARC India and global measurement and data analytics company Nielsen, ever since the government imposed a nationwide 21-day lockdown. The total TV consumption has increased by 8 per cent across India in the week ended 20 March (Covid-19 Week 1), while the total time spent per user on smartphones went up by 6.2 per cent to 25 hours a week.