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Tag: Tata Sky

  • PhonePe and Tata Sky partner to offer auto-debit payments

    PhonePe and Tata Sky partner to offer auto-debit payments

    MUMBAI: PhonePe and Tata Sky have partnered to offer the ‘AutoPay’ feature to their users. This feature allows easy DTH recharges on Tata Sky for PhonePe consumers by facilitating automatic payments through a one-time mandate. The ‘AutoPay’ feature is an industry-first offering and creates a more convenient and seamless user experience

    Once the ‘AutoPay’ feature is enabled, it ensures that a user’s TataSky account is automatically recharged three days before the due date every month. Consumers can also make modifications to the recharge amount or cancel the ‘AutoPay’ instruction at any time.

    “At PhonePe, we are focused on building features that enhance the customer experience on our platform. The Auto-pay feature enables greater convenience and control to our users while making payments seamless. With AutoPay, Tata Sky subscribers are now able to enjoy uninterrupted viewing of their favourite programs without worrying about manually recharging their DTH every month.”- Said, Karthik Raghupathy, Vice President, Strategy and Business Development, PhonePe.

    “AutoPay, a customer first initiative increases financing options, enables and empowers Tata Sky subscribers to do hassle free online recharge. We are pleased to partner with PhonePe for a service that will offer convenient access with enhanced flexibility, thereby making the payment process easy and simple to deal with.” added, Pallavi Puri, Chief Commercial Officer, Tata Sky

    PhonePe is also offering new ‘AutoPay’ subscribers up to Rs.60 cashback, through 4 consecutive recharges – Flat Rs.10 cashback on the first and second recharge transaction, followed by a cashback of Rs.20 on the third and fourth transaction.

  • The Entertainment Industry Celebrates Tata Sky’s 13th Birthday with Chimp&z Inc’s #TataSkyTeraHai

    The Entertainment Industry Celebrates Tata Sky’s 13th Birthday with Chimp&z Inc’s #TataSkyTeraHai

    Mumbai: Last week, Tata Sky celebrated its 13th anniversary. A brand that stands for entertainment across genres was celebrated all over the internet with tributes pouring in from the peers in the entertainment industry.

    A direct-to-home service provider, Tata Sky has set standards for 13 years in the sector and pioneered HD programming, customized on-demand services and many other firsts. As the digital and creative partners, Chimp&z Inc coined the hashtag #TataSkyTeraHai and encouraged the audience to pick their favorite moments across entertainment genres that incorporated the word ‘tera’ (Hindi for thirteen).

    Across social media, the audience replied with unique interpretations and #TataSkyTeraHai was a superhit activity for the brand.

     

  • Critically acclaimed short film Half Full starring veteran Naseeruddin Shah and Vikrant Massey wins major accolade at ShortsTV’s Best of India Short Film Festival 2019 in Los Angeles

    Critically acclaimed short film Half Full starring veteran Naseeruddin Shah and Vikrant Massey wins major accolade at ShortsTV’s Best of India Short Film Festival 2019 in Los Angeles

    Mumbai: Critically acclaimed short films Half Full, featuring veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah and Vikrant Massey, and Counterfeit Kunkoo, written and directed by Reema Sengupta, were declared winners at ShortsTV’s Best of India Short Film Festival 2019 being held in Los Angeles. Organised by ShortsTV, the world’s leading short film TV service and official distributor of the OSCAR nominated short films theatrical release, a special screening was conducted in Mumbai to announce the winners. Present on the occasion were veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah, winning directors Karan Rawal (Half Full) and Reema Sengupta (Counterfeit Kunkoo), along with Chief Executive of ShortsTV, Carter Pilcher.

    Half Full is a 12-minute short film that focusses on the trials and tribulations of a young man (Vikrant Massey) who is undergoing an internal conflict. One night, he encounters an old man (Naseeruddin Shah) and a strange vibe develops between the two leading to some sarcastic and vague questions. The other winner, Counterfeit Kunkoo is a 15-minute short film which is based on the life of a middle-class Indian woman named Smita who lives without her husband. The film offers an intimate perspective on the identity of the 'Ideal Indian Female' in the urban India of today. 

    Expressing his happiness on winning the award, Half Full actor Naseeruddin Shah said, “It’s a proud moment for the entire cast and crew of Half Full. I am happy to note that discerning Indian audiences are moving towards short format content and ShortsTV has taken this initiative to provide an ideal platform to Indian filmmakers and actors. I am also glad that we finally have a destination where one can watch the best of curated short format content from across the world.”

    Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Carter Pilcher, Chief Executive of ShortsTV said, “India’s love affair with short movies has taken off since launching ShortsTV here late last year.  Our audiences can’t get enough of them. Both Bollywood and Hollywood are starting to take notice, and it’s exciting. We created the Best of India Short Film Festival to get Indian talent into the mainstream of the Academy of Motion Pictures Award consideration – and to give Indian talent a chance to bring home an Oscar that was “made in India.”  We are the only short film festival in India whose prize is Oscar qualification, and the world better watch out —ShortsTV and the amazing talent here in India are going to bring home an Oscar!”

    Meanwhile the other short films amongst the finalists selected to screen in Los Angeles and become qualified for Oscar consideration were Unfamiliar by Rahat Jain and Maya by Vikas Chandra. These are also eligible for a television broadcast deal on ShortsTV.

    ShortsTV was launched in India in 2018 exclusively with Tata Sky. With a catalogue of over 10,000 short films, ShortsTV provides a single curated destination of the best shorts from India and around the world, with a line-up including films recognized by the Oscars, BAFTA and Cannes. With the Best of India Short Film Festival, ShortsTV strives to create opportunities for Indian filmmakers to be recognized internationally. The winner last year was Mumbai based filmmaker Chintan Sarda and his short film ‘Shunyata’, featuring Jackie Shroff in a leading role.

  • TDSAT allows news channel Kashish Developers to approach TRAI in Tata Sky target area case

    TDSAT allows news channel Kashish Developers to approach TRAI in Tata Sky target area case

    MUMBAI: The Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) has allowed news channel Kashish Developers Ltd to pursue its representation before the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) regarding the target area of direct-to-home (DTH) operator Tata Sky.

    While the news channel operating mainly in Bihar and Jharkhand has yet not accepted to sign the RIO agreement with Tata Sky as required under the new regulations of 2017, the tribunal contended that there is no challenge to the regulations or to the RIO. According to TDSAT, the main challenge appears to be the wisdom of the TRAI in giving liberty to DTH operators to declare their target areas. 

    Earlier, Kashish Developers’s learned counsel argued that the target area for the petitioner’s news channels should confine to Bihar and Jharkhand otherwise it may lose on account of lack of pan-India penetration. On the other hand, Tata Sky’s learned counsel submitted that being a DTH platform it has no option but to treat the target area even in respect of the petitioner’s channel as a pan-India channel.  

    “In the facts of the case, we are of the considered view that the issues relating to wisdom of the policy can be considered effectively only by the regulator,” the latest order by TDSAT read. Kashish Developers Ltd has already approached TRAI with a representation filed on 29 June.

    “In the aforesaid facts, the petition along with pending MAs is disposed of with liberty to the petitioner to pursue its representation.  It will also be at liberty to file further representation, if required, with a copy of this order.  TRAI is expected to dispose of the representation expeditiously in accordance with law,” the order added.

  • Tata Sky aims to increase awareness in South India with ‘Jinga Jinga Jingalala’ campaign

    Tata Sky aims to increase awareness in South India with ‘Jinga Jinga Jingalala’ campaign

    MUMBAI: Tata Sky, India’s leading content distribution platform launched its latest campaign in Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam languages to communicate its advantages/superiority over cable in the market.

    The campaign titled, ‘Jinga Jinga Jingalala’ focuses on how easy and convenient it is to choose Tata Sky to fit an individual’s budget and content needs. With this campaign, Tata Sky attempts to bust the myth of being expensive by introducing tailor-made packs starting at a price as low as Rs 199/ per month, with an eye to increase and consolidate acquisitions in the South.

    Through the campaign, Tata Sky urges customers to make that all-important and long impending move from cable to DTH. Providing the best & maximum regional services at an affordable cost, the campaign highlights the brand’s efforts to strengthen its reach in Southern markets.

    Tata Sky chief communications officer Anurag Kumar said, “So far, people here believed that DTH is an expensive choice & deprived themselves of the quality and innovative services. The recent TRAI channel pricing regime has provided parity in price giving us an opportunity to provide subscribers with quality entertainment using easy and simple steps at an affordable price. Therefore, via this campaign we are not only breaking the myth on pricing, we are also urging people to Not compromise on the ease and advantages that Tata Sky brings to life.”

    He further said, “Tamil Nadu/ Karnataka / Kerela/ Andhra Pradesh & Telangana has a huge TV viewing audience that have not yet moved to digital platforms. The scope & potential to increase our reach in these markets is immense and we hope to educate them with this campaign.”

    Speaking on the new campaign, Ogilvy & Mather chief creative officer Sukesh Nayak said, “The campaign idea originated from an observation about our childhood. Right from our childhood days we always had a healthy fear of our father, especially when we were doing something that was out of line. Using this observation, we establish the fact that buying Tata Sky is not out of line and the father will approve of it."

    With an objective to connect with viewers and address all relevant concerns, this is a 360-degree campaign that will be communicated using high reach and high impact mediums across ATL, BTL, and digital. Tata Sky has found a way to make life Jinga Jinga Jingalala this time!  

  • Tata Sky revises pricing of broadband plans

    Tata Sky revises pricing of broadband plans

    MUMBAI: Direct-to-home operator Tata Sky has revised the pricing of its newly rolled out broadband plans. While the data plans were announced last August, latest plans come with more data on offer at lower prices.

    Tata Sky’s broadband service is initially available in 12 to 13 cities and high-speed data plans vary in the range of Rs 590 and going up to Rs 1,599 for one month. However, new plans are available in selected cities like Ahmedabad and Surat. In some cities like Delhi, the most affordable plan will cost a consumer Rs 999.

    Tata Sky has entered the market at a time when Reliance Jio is investing highly in less penetrated broadband sector. Moreover, there are other competetitors like Airtel, ACT Fibernet and Excitel  in the market.

  • Tata Sky’s final arguments in TRAI tariff order matter listed for 19 July by Delhi HC

    Tata Sky’s final arguments in TRAI tariff order matter listed for 19 July by Delhi HC

    MUMBAI: The Delhi High Court on Thursday adjourned the hearing of the petition of top DTH operators Tata Sky, Airtel Digital TV and Sun Direct, and broadcaster Discovery India Communication challenging Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and its new tariff regime to 19 July. according to sources close to the development, he DTH player Tata sky will conclude its argument on the same day. 

    During the hearing on 2 May, the regulatory body argued partly in the court. Before that, the last two hearings held on 11 April and 25 April were adjourned without any significant development.

    In the beginning of April, Discovery India concluded its arguments. The matter is being heard by Chief Justice Rajendra Menon and Justice V Kameswar Rao.

    Notably, the extended deadline for consumer migration under the new regime expired on 31 March. While TRAI has repeatedly said most consumers have moved to the new regulatory framework with a reduction in cable bills, several reports have claimed otherwise. In the last two weeks, TRAI also sent directives to several distribution platform operators across the country for not complying with tariff order rules properly.

    Earlier in February, the regulatory body extended the deadline to pick channels under the new regime till 31 March as well as gave a directive of Best Fit Plans. The subscribers that don’t opt for new channels would be moved to ‘Best Fit Plans’, which would be developed as per usage pattern, language and channel popularity, the sector regulator said in its statement.

    Chief Justice of Delhi High Court Rajendra Menon on 13 February questioned TRAI for altering the implementation process of its new tariff regime without informing the court. The chairperson of the sector regulator had also been directed to file an affidavit within a week explaining these changes.

    While the regulatory body has continuously declined that cable bills would go up under the new regime, several reports, as well as surveys, have indicated the hike in the monthly bill. Due to the change in pricing, many experts predicted that consumers would shift to OTT platforms eventually. To decrease the churn rate, some of the DTH players have removed network capacity fee for long duration packs.

    In 2017, Bharti Telemedia, Tata Sky and Discovery Communications India had filed petitions against TRAI, challenging its tariff order and the interconnect regulations. Unlike the position adopted by Star India wherein it questioned the regulatory powers of TRAI, the matter in the Delhi HC questions the regulator’s power to wipe out deals that operators enter into to fix commissions and rates for customers.

  • Market-leading ThinkAnalytics is the only content discovery vendor with capability to scale to over 100 million users in the cloud

    Market-leading ThinkAnalytics is the only content discovery vendor with capability to scale to over 100 million users in the cloud

    MUMBAI: ThinkAnalytics™ today announced that its cloud-based personalized content discovery platform is the first in the industry to scale to over 100 million monthly active users in the cloud.

    ThinkAnalytics’ customers rely on this ability to deal with massive scale to power personalized user experiences as they undergo rapid growth in both audience numbers and the number of hours each user spends viewing content.

    Four of the firm’s OTT customers – BBC, DAZN, Tata Sky and Viacom 18 – now have a combined user base that exceeds 100 million monthly active users. Plus Viacom18 has attracted more than 50 million monthly users to its Voot platform and is targeting 100 million by the end of March 2020.

    Using the Amazon Web Services cloud platform, ThinkAnalytics’ content discovery platform both auto-scales to meet peak demand and deliver a consistently high-quality personalized viewing experience that boosts engagement, and scales down during quieter periods to reduce costs.  Combining full redundancy in geographically distributed data centres and a self-healing capability that automatically replaces any failed instances, the ThinkAnalytics platform provides industry-leading performance, scalability and reliability.

    One global streaming customer recently scaled to run at over a million requests per minute without a glitch, with no manual intervention required. The ThinkAnalytics platform auto-scaled from the minimum configuration to peak demand, all fully automated.

    Peter Docherty, ThinkAnalytics CTO, said, “Scalability, which has always been at the heart of our technology, is critical as established brands look to scale their D2C services quickly across multiple markets, while established providers in countries such as India are breaking new barriers with ever growing numbers of active OTT users. For these providers, a cloud-based content discovery platform that can reliably auto-scale to support many millions of viewers is a priority, offering the peace of mind that comes with a reliable, high-quality experience – even at peak periods. With our platform, customers get the world-leading personalization capabilities they need to engage their audiences and showcase the breadth and depth of content available, combined with the tools and insight needed to attract and retain viewers. ”

    The ThinkAnalytics portfolio gives customers a holistic view of their business with full viewer lifecycle management, helping them to better address KPIs such as boosting loyalty, ARPU and customer experience, and developing new revenue streams.

    As well as personalized content discovery powered by AI and machine learning, solutions include: ThinkInsight, the TV industry’s first viewer and video insight platform; the ThinkEditorial campaign tool, and the ThinkComposer dynamic UX engine that provides the ability to personalise the viewer experience.

  • Dish TV brings back lock-in period

    Dish TV brings back lock-in period

    MUMBAI: Leading DTH player Dish TV has reintroduced lock-in periods for both a-la-carte channels as well as packs. The a-la-carte channels have a lock-in period of 30 days while the packs range from 30-360 days.

    A few months ago Dish TV had launched the lock-in period but had to call it off after people gave negative feedback. It hasn’t revealed the reason for reintroducing it. It isn’t clear yet whether the limitation of a lock-in period is in violation of TRAI norms.

    The changes are visible on both the website and the app. All packs show a lock-in period expect one particular south pack.

    Tata Sky had also announced a similar lock-in period but quickly reverted.

  • Tata Sky reveals NCF of Rs 153 for secondary STB connection

    Tata Sky reveals NCF of Rs 153 for secondary STB connection

    MUMBAI: Days after removing the multi-system policy on a secondary TV connection, DTH operator Tata Sky has announced new changes. The secondary set top boxes for TV connections will now be priced with an NCF of Rs 153.

    In comparison, other operators aren’t charging more than Rs 80. With this, customers will be able to choose new channels on the secondary set top box (STB). Till now, Tata Sky was in violation of TRAI’s policy because additional STBs were showing the same channels that were chosen on the main STB.

    On the other hand, single connection users have it cheaper now with the rollout of Tata Sky Room TV which allows people to pick out single channels.

    Recently, Tata Sky reduced the price of its STBs. The new prices of SD and SD STBs were Rs 1399 and Rs 1499 respectively. The earlier rates were Rs 1600 and Rs 1800. This was done at the same time as other players also dropping their rates.