ITV

Tag: North East

  • Senco Gold ropes in Madhumita Sarcar, Sunita Kaushik as brand ambassadors

    Senco Gold ropes in Madhumita Sarcar, Sunita Kaushik as brand ambassadors

    Mumbai: Senco Gold & Diamonds has announced the appointment of celebrities Madhumita Sarcar and Sunita Kaushik as its regional brand ambassadors. With this move, Senco aims to strengthen its presence in West Bengal and the North-Eastern states of Assam and Tripura.

    Sarcar is a popular Bengali actress and Kaushik is a renowned Assamese actress and dancer. To promote the brand in West Bengal, Senco is coming up with a campaign with Sarcar which will go live on the occasion of Poila Boisakh, the Bengali New Year. Kaushik will represent the legacy brand and its unique jewelry collections in the North-Eastern states of Assam and Tripura on the occasion of Bohag Bihu.

    On signing the two leading ladies as brand ambassadors, the company said, “As part of its ‘hyperlocal’ approach, Senco Gold and Diamonds has chosen Bengali actress Madhumita Sarcar and Assamese actress and dancer, Sunita Kaushik as its regional brand ambassadors, to establish a deeper customer connect and enhance the visibility of the brand in east and north-eastern regions. Kiara Advani has been Senco’s brand ambassador since October 2021.”

    Speaking on becoming the face of Senco in West Bengal, Madhumita Sarcar said, “It is an honor to be associated with a brand like Senco Gold & Diamonds, which has a legacy of over five decades in the jewelry business. The campaign is beautifully planned and executed which brings out the essence of Bengal beautifully.” While Sunita Kaushik said “This is my first brand endorsement in the jewelry category and it is my absolute honor to be on board with such an esteemed brand name, the collection of the brand is something that I personally like and I am more than happy to represent this brand in the North East for the brand.”

    “With a legacy of more than five decades and roots in the east, it was a natural choice for us to onboard regional brand ambassadors for West Bengal and Assam as part of the first phase of our ‘Hyperlocal’ strategy. I am sure our customers in the region will like and connect with our campaigns planned across platforms like print, outdoor, digital and TV featuring the two celebrities,” commented Senco Gold Diamonds director and head of design and marketing Joita Sen.

  • News18 Assam-North East launches ‘Rising Sports: Shining Northeast’ campaign

    News18 Assam-North East launches ‘Rising Sports: Shining Northeast’ campaign

    Mumbai: News18 Assam-North East has announced the launch of its special campaign titled ‘Rising Sports: Shining Northeast’ to raise awareness about the immense contribution of people of the northeast in the sports arena. 

    PM Narendra Modi had once mentioned that Manipur was the powerhouse of sporting talents. It is an undeniable fact that the people of the northeast have a long heritage of sports enthusiasm.

    Beginning with the legendary Indian footballer Talimeren Ao, who captained the Indian football team against France at the 1948 London Olympics to the present successes of Mary Kom, Mirabai Chanu, Lovlina Borgohain, Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem, and many more form the long list.

    The month-long campaign, which started on 19 September, will showcase the sports champions, discuss their potential, narrate their inspirational stories, their zeal to excel against all odds, and highlight government and private initiatives and landmark decisions that shaped the sporting talents of the region. 

    The state’s future plans will also be discussed to ensure the northeast leads the way in terms of sporting talent.

  • TRAI says it favours auctioning of entire spectrum in any LSA

    TRAI says it favours auctioning of entire spectrum in any LSA

    NEW DELHI: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has told the Department of Telecommunications that holding back some of the spectrum in 700 MHz (i.e. 15+15 MHz) from this auction and selling it after a gap of certain period of time from now would lead to non-utilization of this scarce natural resource for that period, though it has the potential to be reused and reallocated.

    Responding to a lengthy note by the DoT on various issues relating to auction of spectrum, the TRAI has by and large stuck to its original recommendations on most questions raised before it.

    It said any delay in award of spectrum or non-utilization of spectrum would turn into irreversible loss to the Government (in the form of levies and taxes) and to the society (in the form of better services, contribution to other related activities etc.).

    Even if it is assumed that greater revenue can be generated by auctioning a part of spectrum in 700 MHz band in future, deferring the revenue receipts now may not be of economic prudence keeping in view the impact of telecom services on the other sectors and overall GDP growth. Telecom connectivity is now the basic infrastructure in any society for networking, conveying important economic and social benefits.

    The Authority emphasised that the broadband connectivity is the first pillar of ‘Digital India’ Programme of the government, which can be fulfilled quickly if sufficient quantity of spectrum is made available. Further, National Telecom Policy-2012 envisages making available additional 300 MHz spectrum by the year 2017 and 500 MHz by the year 2020 for IMT services. If all the available spectrum is put to auction, it will result in increased availability of spectrum which will result in serving larger subscriber base, increased data speed as well as growth and overall increase in economic and other networked activities. This will result in more recurring revenue to the government in terms of license fee, spectrum usage charges, service tax, etc.

    Spectrum being a scarce resource, auction of spectrum is primarily to solve the allocative problem in an open, transparent manner and revenue maximization cannot be (and should not be) the only objective of auction where the Government is an auctioneer. The government has to a strike a balance between its fiscal targets and its responsibility to promote and encourage growth of the telecom sector.

    Presently, India is way behind in the broadband penetration and the internet speeds in the world and 700 MHz band can prove to be a vital band for proliferation of broadband in the country. In view of the above, the authority is of the opinion that entire spectrum in the 700 MHz band is required to be made available for commercial use without any delay. Accordingly, the authority reiterates its earlier recommendation that entire available spectrum (2x35MHz) in the 700 MHz band should be put to auction in the upcoming auction.

    The authority has been in favour of auctioning of all the available spectrum in entire LSA(s). However, the authority had recommended that partial spectrum available in Bihar, Rajasthan and North-East LSAs should not be put to auction till such time it becomes available in at least 75% of total number of districts of the LSA including the state capital(s). As 1.0 MHz of spectrum in 1800 MHz band is available in entire service area of Rajasthan it should be put to auction. Moreover, DoT is carrying out process of harmonisation of spectrum in this band, therefore, issue of partial spectrum may not arise.

    It said telecom service providers feel that the escalation in the number of mobile drops, especially in urban and metro areas, can also be attributed to spectrum related issues, including shortage of spectrum supply. In order to serve the telecom needs of ever increasing subscriber base, the authority has recommended to DoT, from time to time, for making additional spectrum available in existing as well as new bands for commercial use. Further, in all the spectrum auctions held since 2012, the authority has been recommending to put to auction the entire available spectrum with the DoT. I

    As stated in the recommendations dated 27 January 2016, 700 MHz band is a sought after band for LTE deployment around the world due to its efficiency and higher penetration inside buildings. Due to lower frequency, it provides wider coverage which reduces number of towers required for setting up the LTE network and thus significantly cuts down capital expenditure involved in making the network live. In 42 countries commercial networks have been deployed in this band. After the assignment of spectrum in this band in India, it is expected that there will be an accelerated deployment of device eco-system due to ‘economies of scale’ that will be delivered on account of large subscriber base.

    The authority is of the view that if a service provider is not utilizing the administratively assigned spectrum without any justification, the licensor should take back the assigned spectrum.

    The DoT may take the legal opinion on the above issue and start the process of withdrawal of the spectrum separately. As soon as this spectrum becomes available, the same should be put to auction.

    The authority is of the opinion that there is no need for any modification in the provisions of the latest NIA with respect to block size and minimum quantum of spectrum that a new entrant/existing licenses/expiry licensee is required to bid for in 900/1800 MHz band. However, due to limited availability of spectrum in some LSAs in 900/1800 bands minimum spectrum, that a bidder is required to bid for, has been amended in these LSAs.

  • TRAI says it favours auctioning of entire spectrum in any LSA

    TRAI says it favours auctioning of entire spectrum in any LSA

    NEW DELHI: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has told the Department of Telecommunications that holding back some of the spectrum in 700 MHz (i.e. 15+15 MHz) from this auction and selling it after a gap of certain period of time from now would lead to non-utilization of this scarce natural resource for that period, though it has the potential to be reused and reallocated.

    Responding to a lengthy note by the DoT on various issues relating to auction of spectrum, the TRAI has by and large stuck to its original recommendations on most questions raised before it.

    It said any delay in award of spectrum or non-utilization of spectrum would turn into irreversible loss to the Government (in the form of levies and taxes) and to the society (in the form of better services, contribution to other related activities etc.).

    Even if it is assumed that greater revenue can be generated by auctioning a part of spectrum in 700 MHz band in future, deferring the revenue receipts now may not be of economic prudence keeping in view the impact of telecom services on the other sectors and overall GDP growth. Telecom connectivity is now the basic infrastructure in any society for networking, conveying important economic and social benefits.

    The Authority emphasised that the broadband connectivity is the first pillar of ‘Digital India’ Programme of the government, which can be fulfilled quickly if sufficient quantity of spectrum is made available. Further, National Telecom Policy-2012 envisages making available additional 300 MHz spectrum by the year 2017 and 500 MHz by the year 2020 for IMT services. If all the available spectrum is put to auction, it will result in increased availability of spectrum which will result in serving larger subscriber base, increased data speed as well as growth and overall increase in economic and other networked activities. This will result in more recurring revenue to the government in terms of license fee, spectrum usage charges, service tax, etc.

    Spectrum being a scarce resource, auction of spectrum is primarily to solve the allocative problem in an open, transparent manner and revenue maximization cannot be (and should not be) the only objective of auction where the Government is an auctioneer. The government has to a strike a balance between its fiscal targets and its responsibility to promote and encourage growth of the telecom sector.

    Presently, India is way behind in the broadband penetration and the internet speeds in the world and 700 MHz band can prove to be a vital band for proliferation of broadband in the country. In view of the above, the authority is of the opinion that entire spectrum in the 700 MHz band is required to be made available for commercial use without any delay. Accordingly, the authority reiterates its earlier recommendation that entire available spectrum (2x35MHz) in the 700 MHz band should be put to auction in the upcoming auction.

    The authority has been in favour of auctioning of all the available spectrum in entire LSA(s). However, the authority had recommended that partial spectrum available in Bihar, Rajasthan and North-East LSAs should not be put to auction till such time it becomes available in at least 75% of total number of districts of the LSA including the state capital(s). As 1.0 MHz of spectrum in 1800 MHz band is available in entire service area of Rajasthan it should be put to auction. Moreover, DoT is carrying out process of harmonisation of spectrum in this band, therefore, issue of partial spectrum may not arise.

    It said telecom service providers feel that the escalation in the number of mobile drops, especially in urban and metro areas, can also be attributed to spectrum related issues, including shortage of spectrum supply. In order to serve the telecom needs of ever increasing subscriber base, the authority has recommended to DoT, from time to time, for making additional spectrum available in existing as well as new bands for commercial use. Further, in all the spectrum auctions held since 2012, the authority has been recommending to put to auction the entire available spectrum with the DoT. I

    As stated in the recommendations dated 27 January 2016, 700 MHz band is a sought after band for LTE deployment around the world due to its efficiency and higher penetration inside buildings. Due to lower frequency, it provides wider coverage which reduces number of towers required for setting up the LTE network and thus significantly cuts down capital expenditure involved in making the network live. In 42 countries commercial networks have been deployed in this band. After the assignment of spectrum in this band in India, it is expected that there will be an accelerated deployment of device eco-system due to ‘economies of scale’ that will be delivered on account of large subscriber base.

    The authority is of the view that if a service provider is not utilizing the administratively assigned spectrum without any justification, the licensor should take back the assigned spectrum.

    The DoT may take the legal opinion on the above issue and start the process of withdrawal of the spectrum separately. As soon as this spectrum becomes available, the same should be put to auction.

    The authority is of the opinion that there is no need for any modification in the provisions of the latest NIA with respect to block size and minimum quantum of spectrum that a new entrant/existing licenses/expiry licensee is required to bid for in 900/1800 MHz band. However, due to limited availability of spectrum in some LSAs in 900/1800 bands minimum spectrum, that a bidder is required to bid for, has been amended in these LSAs.

  • Idea expands 4G service across 39 Karnataka towns

    Idea expands 4G service across 39 Karnataka towns

    MUMBAI: Idea Cellular has expanded its high speed 4G LTE services across 39 towns in Karnataka.

     

    What’s more, by March 2016, the company will extend its services to three more key markets namely, Maharashtra & Goa, North East and Orissa, and by June 2016, Idea’s 4G footprints will cover 750 cities across 10 telecom circles.

     

    Within a month, the company has expanded its 4G LTE service footprint to 24 districts, including major towns of Bangalore, Mysore, Madikeri, Karwar, Chikmagalur, Belgaum and Chitradurga; covering 20 per cent of the state’s total population.

     

    In addition to Bangalore metro, Idea has launched its 4G services in other towns of Channarayapatna, Udyavara (CT), Harihar, Kunigal, Mulbagal, and Toranagal. Additionally, Idea is planning to launch its 4G services in Mangalore, Udupi-Manipal, Bijapur, Bellary and 18 more towns by end of this financial year, taking the total tally to 61.

     

    It can be recalled that last year in December, Idea Cellular had launched 4G LTE services in all four telecom circles (five states) of South India, namely Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh & Telangana, and Karnataka. Earlier this month, the company launched services across three more circles (four Indian states) – Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Haryana and Punjab, expanding its 4G LTE service footprint to 7 telecom service areas.

     

    Idea Cellular deputy managing director Ambrish Jain said, “Since last week of December 2015, Idea has rapidly rolled out its high-speed 4G LTE network to cover seven major markets in India.”

     

    Idea Cellular currently holds 1800 MHz 4G spectrum in these 10 telecom circles, which cover 50 per cent of telecom market but over 60 per cent of Idea’s gross revenue. Additionally, Idea has recently signed an agreement with Videocon Telecommunications for acquiring ‘Right to Use’ 1800 MHz spectrum under Spectrum Trading Agreement in two of its key telecom leadership markets of Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh (West). Post completion of this transaction, 4G services will be extended to 12 service areas, covering 75 per cent of Idea’s revenue base in the country.

     

    Idea Cellular chief marketing officer Sashi Shankar added, “Idea customers with 4G devices in these 183 towns can now start experiencing super fast speeds by simply upgrading their existing SIM cards to new 4G SIM cards. The company is also offering attractive subscription plans to digital content including a wide range of the latest music, movies and games. Idea has also partnered with leading handset manufacturers and e-commerce retailers for special data bundling offers on new 4G smartphones.”

     
    Idea’s 4G Prepaid & Postpaid tariff plans are priced at par with existing 3G plans. The company is also offering ‘4G Packs’ starting as low as Rs 21.

     

    Digital Content for 4G consumers 

     

    Idea, marking its first foray in the digital space, is launching an assortment of digital content in partnership with content aggregators.

     

    For music, it has tied-up with Hungama Digital, wherein it will offer content at a monthly subscription price of Rs 99 for all its consumers. For movies and videos, Idea has partnered with Eros International, wherein content will be offered at a monthly subscription price of Rs 49 for all its consumers. Idea will also be launching ‘Idea Games Club’ powered by Opera for all its consumers from 1 February, 2016, at a monthly subscription price of Rs 150. However, as an incentive for new 4G customers, a special offer for subscription at just Rs 29 per month till 31 March, 2016 is available for these packs.

     

    Idea will also unveil ‘Ultimate Plans,’ which provide a Bundleof 4G Data, Unlimited Voice calls and Content subscription, which is powered by Hungama.

     

    Wide Portfolio of 4G Smartphones & Devices

    Currently, 2.7 million 4G devices across these seven circles are registered on Idea’s network and growing at an exponential rate. To facilitate 4G device upgrade, Idea has launched branded 4G devices namely Idea 4G Dongles, 4G Mi-Fi (connects 10 users) and Home Wi-Fi (connects 32 users), which are now available at Rs 2,599 onwards with 4G Data offers.

     

    Idea has partnered with Samsung for special offers on its 4G Smartphones, wherein the two companies will launch a variety of programmes to offer differentiated and significant value to customers.

     

    The TSP has also tied up with smartphone manufacturers including Intex Technologies, Lava, Lenovo and Xolo to offer bundled 4G data plans on smartphones.

     

    A tie up is also in place with e-commerce retailer Snapdeal for providing bundled data offers on 4G devices.

     

    Launch of 4G website

    The company has also launched its responsive 4G website -www.ideacellular.com/4G, wherein consumers can log on to get more information about 4G services, tariff plans and recharges, locate the nearest Idea stores offering 4G SIMs and much more. Idea is also rolling out a smartphone e-store on its website. Consumers can now buy 4G smartphone brands, Mi-Fi and Dongles. 

     

    The company has also rolled out its FDD platform enabled 4G LTE services on the 1800 MHz frequency band, which is the most preferred spectrum band for deployment of 4G services globally, and is supported by the majority of 4G handsets available in the market.

     

    Idea Cellular’s 4G LTE Network will be equipped with the enhanced ‘Fast Return’ feature enabling seamless and quick toggle for consumers across Idea’s 4G, 3G and 2G networks, offering superior experience for both mobile data and voice services. While the company possesses the capability to introduce VoLTE feature, existing customers’ current 4G devices do not support this feature. Accordingly, the deployment of VoLTE will be evaluated at a later stage.

     

    Idea is deploying state-of-the-art, ‘Single RAN’ equipment, which supports multiple technologies in a given frequency band. For every 4G site on 1800 MHz, this equipment also provides additional 2G voice capacity on GSM spectrum.

     

    For FY16, Idea Cellular’s capex guidance is Rs 6,500 crore, significantly higher than earlier years’ annual capex spends. In this fiscal year, Idea plans to add 40,000 – 45,000 sites on 2G, 3G and 4G technology platforms, complete a cumulative roll out of 111,000 kms of Fibre, and add an incremental 175-200 million population to the mobile broadband (3G & 4G) population coverage. The 4G launch in Southern India is part of the capex guidance by Idea.

     

    The roll out of Idea’s 4G services will be financed through internal accruals. The company recorded an EBITDA of Rs 5,739 crore in H1-FY16, a growth of 27.6 per cent  over H1-FY15 and cash profits of Rs 5,085 crore, a robust growth of 32.5 per cent over H1FY15.

  • Idea expands 4G service across 39 Karnataka towns

    Idea expands 4G service across 39 Karnataka towns

    MUMBAI: Idea Cellular has expanded its high speed 4G LTE services across 39 towns in Karnataka.

     

    What’s more, by March 2016, the company will extend its services to three more key markets namely, Maharashtra & Goa, North East and Orissa, and by June 2016, Idea’s 4G footprints will cover 750 cities across 10 telecom circles.

     

    Within a month, the company has expanded its 4G LTE service footprint to 24 districts, including major towns of Bangalore, Mysore, Madikeri, Karwar, Chikmagalur, Belgaum and Chitradurga; covering 20 per cent of the state’s total population.

     

    In addition to Bangalore metro, Idea has launched its 4G services in other towns of Channarayapatna, Udyavara (CT), Harihar, Kunigal, Mulbagal, and Toranagal. Additionally, Idea is planning to launch its 4G services in Mangalore, Udupi-Manipal, Bijapur, Bellary and 18 more towns by end of this financial year, taking the total tally to 61.

     

    It can be recalled that last year in December, Idea Cellular had launched 4G LTE services in all four telecom circles (five states) of South India, namely Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh & Telangana, and Karnataka. Earlier this month, the company launched services across three more circles (four Indian states) – Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Haryana and Punjab, expanding its 4G LTE service footprint to 7 telecom service areas.

     

    Idea Cellular deputy managing director Ambrish Jain said, “Since last week of December 2015, Idea has rapidly rolled out its high-speed 4G LTE network to cover seven major markets in India.”

     

    Idea Cellular currently holds 1800 MHz 4G spectrum in these 10 telecom circles, which cover 50 per cent of telecom market but over 60 per cent of Idea’s gross revenue. Additionally, Idea has recently signed an agreement with Videocon Telecommunications for acquiring ‘Right to Use’ 1800 MHz spectrum under Spectrum Trading Agreement in two of its key telecom leadership markets of Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh (West). Post completion of this transaction, 4G services will be extended to 12 service areas, covering 75 per cent of Idea’s revenue base in the country.

     

    Idea Cellular chief marketing officer Sashi Shankar added, “Idea customers with 4G devices in these 183 towns can now start experiencing super fast speeds by simply upgrading their existing SIM cards to new 4G SIM cards. The company is also offering attractive subscription plans to digital content including a wide range of the latest music, movies and games. Idea has also partnered with leading handset manufacturers and e-commerce retailers for special data bundling offers on new 4G smartphones.”

     
    Idea’s 4G Prepaid & Postpaid tariff plans are priced at par with existing 3G plans. The company is also offering ‘4G Packs’ starting as low as Rs 21.

     

    Digital Content for 4G consumers 

     

    Idea, marking its first foray in the digital space, is launching an assortment of digital content in partnership with content aggregators.

     

    For music, it has tied-up with Hungama Digital, wherein it will offer content at a monthly subscription price of Rs 99 for all its consumers. For movies and videos, Idea has partnered with Eros International, wherein content will be offered at a monthly subscription price of Rs 49 for all its consumers. Idea will also be launching ‘Idea Games Club’ powered by Opera for all its consumers from 1 February, 2016, at a monthly subscription price of Rs 150. However, as an incentive for new 4G customers, a special offer for subscription at just Rs 29 per month till 31 March, 2016 is available for these packs.

     

    Idea will also unveil ‘Ultimate Plans,’ which provide a Bundleof 4G Data, Unlimited Voice calls and Content subscription, which is powered by Hungama.

     

    Wide Portfolio of 4G Smartphones & Devices

    Currently, 2.7 million 4G devices across these seven circles are registered on Idea’s network and growing at an exponential rate. To facilitate 4G device upgrade, Idea has launched branded 4G devices namely Idea 4G Dongles, 4G Mi-Fi (connects 10 users) and Home Wi-Fi (connects 32 users), which are now available at Rs 2,599 onwards with 4G Data offers.

     

    Idea has partnered with Samsung for special offers on its 4G Smartphones, wherein the two companies will launch a variety of programmes to offer differentiated and significant value to customers.

     

    The TSP has also tied up with smartphone manufacturers including Intex Technologies, Lava, Lenovo and Xolo to offer bundled 4G data plans on smartphones.

     

    A tie up is also in place with e-commerce retailer Snapdeal for providing bundled data offers on 4G devices.

     

    Launch of 4G website

    The company has also launched its responsive 4G website -www.ideacellular.com/4G, wherein consumers can log on to get more information about 4G services, tariff plans and recharges, locate the nearest Idea stores offering 4G SIMs and much more. Idea is also rolling out a smartphone e-store on its website. Consumers can now buy 4G smartphone brands, Mi-Fi and Dongles. 

     

    The company has also rolled out its FDD platform enabled 4G LTE services on the 1800 MHz frequency band, which is the most preferred spectrum band for deployment of 4G services globally, and is supported by the majority of 4G handsets available in the market.

     

    Idea Cellular’s 4G LTE Network will be equipped with the enhanced ‘Fast Return’ feature enabling seamless and quick toggle for consumers across Idea’s 4G, 3G and 2G networks, offering superior experience for both mobile data and voice services. While the company possesses the capability to introduce VoLTE feature, existing customers’ current 4G devices do not support this feature. Accordingly, the deployment of VoLTE will be evaluated at a later stage.

     

    Idea is deploying state-of-the-art, ‘Single RAN’ equipment, which supports multiple technologies in a given frequency band. For every 4G site on 1800 MHz, this equipment also provides additional 2G voice capacity on GSM spectrum.

     

    For FY16, Idea Cellular’s capex guidance is Rs 6,500 crore, significantly higher than earlier years’ annual capex spends. In this fiscal year, Idea plans to add 40,000 – 45,000 sites on 2G, 3G and 4G technology platforms, complete a cumulative roll out of 111,000 kms of Fibre, and add an incremental 175-200 million population to the mobile broadband (3G & 4G) population coverage. The 4G launch in Southern India is part of the capex guidance by Idea.

     

    The roll out of Idea’s 4G services will be financed through internal accruals. The company recorded an EBITDA of Rs 5,739 crore in H1-FY16, a growth of 27.6 per cent  over H1-FY15 and cash profits of Rs 5,085 crore, a robust growth of 32.5 per cent over H1FY15.

  • Axom Communications signs bandwidth agreement with Airtel

    Axom Communications signs bandwidth agreement with Airtel

    KOLKATA: Assam-based multi-system operator (MSO), Axom Communications and Cable, has signed an agreement with telecom major Airtel for one year. The main objective of this is to have better bandwidth and reach in all the seven north eastern states, where the company operates.

    Currently, the MSO boasts of around six lakh cable TV connections in Assam including the lower and central parts of the state. It had installed a digital headend in 2009 and had laid down the fiber connecting around 250 kms from three sides of Guwahati, the commercial hub of Assam.

    Axom Communications and Cable director Sanjive Narain said that this bandwidth would easily help in connecting all the seven north eastern states. “Before the cable TV digitisation starts in full swing in phase III and IV, we have already finished 60-70 per cent of the work in Guwahati,” he added.

    “Out of the six lakh connections, more than 70,000 cable homes have been converted into digital signal even before the digitisation process has started in the state,” he explained talking about Guwahati.
    “Fiber network connectivity work is on in other states like Tripura, Nagaland, Meghalaya to name a few,” he further added.

    The company has around 10 analogue headends and one digital headend in total, informed Narain.

    It should be noted that Assam and other north eastern states are likely to digitise their cable TV homes in the phase III and IV of digitisation. “Right now the process has not started in the true sense, but the industry is getting ready,” he said.

    With a terrain where cable cannot reach easily, there is a sizeable penetration of DTH in this market. “We will convert a DTH home into cable TV home by giving a lucrative option to consumers,” he concluded.

     

  • North east India to get new channel Arun Prabha

    North east India to get new channel Arun Prabha

    MUMBAI: After announcing the new Rs 100 crore 24 hour channel for farmers in the country, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has declared that a new channel will also be launched for the seven sisters in north east India.

     

    To be called ‘Arun Prabha’, Jaitley said that the channel will highlight the rich culture of the north east. However, he did not specify either the time frame within which it will be launched or the investment that will be put into it.

     

    Last year, talks were on between the government and the Prasar Bharati for launching an additional channel for NE. Currently, DD North East telecasts programmes in Assamese, English and other regional dialects with various types of programmes. Prasar Bharati CEO Jawhar Sircar had been touring the area last year to find out the feasibility for this channel, subject to government investment.

  • Aidem wins ad sales mandate for AM Television

    Aidem wins ad sales mandate for AM Television

    MUMBAI: To expand its reach even further in north east, AM Television has appointed Aidem Ventures as its media representative in the Delhi, Kolkata and Chennai markets for its channels – Prag TV & Rengoni.
     

    AM Television director Rajeev Bora said, “I am very happy about this association with Aidem. Their national footprint will give the channels the advertising exposure they need. We hope that this combined with Aidem’s expertise will prove beneficial to the channels’ overall growth. The north east as a market has always been ignored by marketers. Now one sees FMCG, pharmaceutical, F&B, tourism and auto clients apportioning a good amount of their advertising budgets to this market.”

     

    Launched in 2000, Prag TV is the oldest news channel of the north east region of India while Rengoni is an Assamese GEC that delivers a mix of fiction and non-fiction shows catering to the region. Both the channels are distributed by Assam Cable Communication (ACC) in association with the digital system of Scientific Atlanta USA.

     

    Aidem Ventures business head regional channels Alok Rakshit added, “Prag TV and Rengoni give us access to the North East market which has been untapped by major television networks so far. This association will give our advertisers a chance to reach out to the North East markets. The team is
    very excited about both the channels.”