|
The DTH
Wannabes |
| Star
TV |
Had
set up ISKyB with a team of 300. When government decided
to ban it, it hung on to the team for nearly two years
before dismantling it. It laid off some employees,
relocated others. But it still has the SMS in place in
Delhi; lost its DTH chief recently. Will also be hemmed
in by foriegn ownership restrictions. Has a presence in
cable TV, broadcasting. Likely to got with earlier DTH
partner Pramod Mittal as Indian ally. |
| Zee
TV |
Likely player.The Zee Network has invested in
Canal Plus technology. Has a pay bouquet. But is
presently cash strapped. Could face problems as it is in
cable TV, broadcasting, and is also owned 70 per cent
plus through foreign (read non-resident Indian Subhash
Chandra) equity. |
| Modi
Enrtertainment |
Was
a potential player in DTH, having signed with Loral. Has
broadband plans and experience with pay TV distribution.
Is probably the only player who is not a broadcaster or
in cable; is Indian owned and does not have any foriegn
equity ownership. Is well-positioned to launch a
platform |
| C.
Sivasankaran |
Had
options on Ku-band transponders on ST-I band satellite.
Planned to become an education and infotainment player
via DTH. Is in the process of launching broadband from
November. Likely player. Has no problems of foreign
ownership; is also loaded with cash. |
| Doordarshan |
Had
signed a two year contract with Measat. Lobbied for DD
as platform operator. Has recently launched two pay
channels. It does not have experience with DTH, with all
senior officials including Rathikant Basu, RK Singh,
Urmila Gupta, Ashok Mansukhani who were involved with
the Measat negotiations having left. Is a likely player.
|
| HFCL |
Has
come out from nowhere to be a force to reckon with in
telephony, television, and hardware. Potentially could
get into DTH. Also has a partnership with Ozzie media
and leisure baron Kerry Packer. Manufactures television
hardware. |
| Reliance |
Is
extremely ambitious about convergence. Has deep pockets.
Is setting up a broadband backbone and is looking at
investing in television programming. Would like to have
other options for bandwidth; hence could go for DTH. Is
television neutral as it is not a broadcaster nor in
cable TV. Is also Indian owned.
|
