Cable TV
DEN Networks introduces 22 HD channels in Kochi
MUMBAI: DEN Networks is looking at serving its Kochi subscribers better. The multi system operator (MSO) has announced the launch of its HD package comprising 22 channels for its existing subscribers in Kochi. With this launch, DEN has become the only cable TV distribution company in Kerala to offer highest number of HD channels.
The HD package would include channels like, Star Plus, Zee TV, Zee Cinema, Star Gold, Star World, Life OK, NGC, NGC Wild, NGC Music, HBO Hits, HBO Defined, Star Movies, Movies Now, Romedy Now, Zee Studio, Star Sports HD1 and Star Sports HD2.
Commenting on the development, DEN Networks CEO S.N. Sharma said, “At DEN Networks, we have always believed in consistent improvement – both in terms of customer service and our offerings. Our ability to keep our customers in pace with the times has led to us being among the fastest growing players in Cable TV distribution in Kerala. Our new HD Package is yet another step towards bringing a richer, high definition TV viewing experience for our customers in Kochi.”
“Kerala has more than 1.2 million subscribers and most of them are early adapters when it comes to latest technology. At DEN Networks, our ability to sense the evolving demand and offer our customers customised solutions have helped us to garner increasing market share,” added Sharma.
“In the next few months, while we will increase our presence across all 14 districts of Kerala; we will also introduce this HD Package in other towns like Trivandrum, Kottayam, Kannur, Mallapuram, Pallakad etc,” he concluded.
DEN Network’s Cable TV services are available in 10 of the 14 districts in Kerala, namely Eranakulam (Kochi), Allapuzha, Kottayam, Trivandrum, Thrissur, Mallapuram, Pallakad, Kozhikode (Calicut), Kannur and Kasargode.
The MSO offers 200 SD channels and 22 HD channels in Kochi as of now, all the other places offering is 140 channels, which will be upgraded to 200 and 22 HD channels in the coming months. Also company will soon be introducing packages to subscribers in Kerala, that will offer the choice of deciding what bundle of channels to view and pay for. Kerala has a total market size of six million cable homes, out of which, DEN is having more than 20 per cent market share as of now and fast growing.
MUMBAI: When margins wobble, liquidity talks and in Q3 FY25-26, cash did most of the talking. Den Networks Limited closed the December quarter with consolidated revenue of Rs.251 crore, marginally higher than the previous quarter but down 4 per cent year-on-year, even as profitability stayed resilient on the back of strong cash reserves and disciplined cost control.
Subscription income softened to Rs.98 crore, slipping 3 per cent sequentially and 14 per cent from last year, while placement and marketing income offered some cheer, rising 15 per cent quarter-on-quarter to Rs.148 crore. Total costs climbed faster than revenue, up 7 per cent QoQ to Rs.238 crore, driven largely by higher content costs and operating expenses. As a result, EBITDA dropped sharply to Rs.13 crore from Rs.19 crore in Q2 and Rs.28 crore a year ago, pulling margins down to 5 per cent.
Yet, the bottom line refused to blink. Profit after tax stood at Rs.40 crore, up 15 per cent sequentially and only marginally lower than last year’s Rs.42 crore. A healthy Rs.57 crore in other income helped cushion operating pressure, keeping profit before tax at Rs.48 crore, broadly stable quarter-on-quarter despite the tougher cost environment.
The real headline-grabber, however, sits on the balance sheet. The company remains debt-free, with cash and cash equivalents swelling to Rs.3,279 crore as of December 31, 2025. Net worth rose to Rs.3,748 crore, while online collections accounted for 97 per cent of total receipts, underscoring strong cash discipline across operations, including subsidiaries.
In short, while Q3 showed signs of operating strain, the financial backbone remains solid. With zero gross debt, steady profits and a formidable cash war chest, the company enters the next quarter with flexibility firmly on its side proving that in uncertain markets, balance sheet strength can be the best growth strategy.
