ITV News
HMVL to stop onboarding new users to OTTplay from 31 March
Platform contributed Rs 60 crore in FY25 but carries negative net worth of over Rs 38 crore.
MUMBAI: HMVL just hit pause on its OTTplay ambitions because when the streaming waters get too crowded and costly, even a media giant knows when to stop adding passengers to the boat. Hindustan Media Ventures Ltd (HMVL) has decided to stop onboarding new users to its OTT aggregation platform OTTplay from 31 March 2026. The move, approved by the board and disclosed in a regulatory filing, signals a strategic re-evaluation of the business amid rising competition and challenging economics in the streaming space.
Existing subscribers will continue to be serviced, indicating a measured, phased wind-down rather than an abrupt shutdown. OTTplay contributed nearly Rs 60 crore in revenue in FY25, accounting for roughly 8 per cent of HMVL’s overall revenue, but operated with a negative net worth of over Rs 38 crore.
The decision reflects broader industry pressures: escalating content acquisition costs, aggressive direct-to-consumer strategies by major streamers, and difficulties in sustaining profitable bundling models. HMVL noted that timelines for achieving meaningful profitability no longer align with internal expectations.
While the parent company maintains a strong balance sheet, the OTT vertical has become a disproportionate drag, prompting the shift in focus toward core operations and capital efficiency.
In a streaming world where everyone wants to own the remote, HMVL has chosen to step back from the aggregation game, proving that sometimes the smartest play isn’t adding more channels, it’s knowing when to switch off the set.
ITV News
Amazon nears $9bn Globalstar deal to boost satellite push: Report
Talks signal push to rival Starlink as spectrum and scale come into play
NEW YORK: Amazon is in advanced talks to acquire satellite telecom firm Globalstar in a deal reportedly valued at around $9 billion, according to a report by Bloomberg, signalling a major push to strengthen its space-based connectivity ambitions.
If finalised, the deal would give Amazon immediate access to Globalstar’s satellite infrastructure, including dozens of low Earth orbit satellites and more than 20 ground stations worldwide. It would also bring valuable wireless spectrum, particularly the L-band and S-band frequencies, into Amazon’s fold, assets considered critical for enabling direct-to-device satellite communication.
The move is widely seen as a strategic shortcut for Amazon’s Project Kuiper, which has faced delays due to limited rocket launch capacity. By acquiring an operational network, Amazon could effectively bridge the gap between development and deployment, accelerating its entry into the fast-growing satellite connectivity market.
The acquisition would also sharpen Amazon’s competitive edge against SpaceX and its Starlink service, which currently dominates the low Earth orbit satellite internet space. With Globalstar’s reported base of over 800,000 subscribers, Amazon could quickly scale its presence and move closer to offering seamless connectivity, even in remote or underserved regions.
However, the deal is not without complications. Apple, which holds an estimated 20 per cent stake in Globalstar, could play a pivotal role in shaping the outcome. The iPhone maker currently relies on Globalstar’s satellites for its Emergency SOS via satellite feature, raising questions about how existing partnerships would be managed in the event of a takeover.
Beyond the immediate deal, the potential acquisition underscores a broader shift in the space economy. What was once an experimental frontier is rapidly consolidating, with tech giants racing to build integrated ecosystems that combine satellites, spectrum and services.
For consumers, the implications could be significant. Increased competition may accelerate the rollout of satellite-enabled mobile connectivity, bringing the promise of always-on coverage closer to reality.
For Amazon, the message is clear. The race to connect the planet is heating up, and it is looking to move from playing catch-up to setting the pace.
