iWorld
43% data service users unhappy with telecom operators: survey
KOLKATA: The recently concluded spectrum auction for the telecom industry saw 19 days of fierce bidding and telecom companies competing for spectrum to strengthen mobile data services. However a community poll conducted by a social networking platform LocalCircles, revealed that around 43 per cent of phone users in India are dissatisfied with the quality of data services while another 43 per cent have rated it as average.
According to the study, around 53 per cent of the surveyed people said the quality of network coverage was average, while 27 per cent expressed discontent with the coverage.
Another 53 per cent felt that the tariffs charged by the operators were expensive, while 38 per cent voted it as a “value for money” proposition.
Of the people surveyed, 53 per cent put faith on the accuracy of data billing and other services charged by the operators, while 32 per cent did not vote in its favour.
“Immediate efforts are needed by the telecom regulators and the operators to improve the voice and data service quality by reducing call drops, improving coverage and quality,” LocalCircles said.
As per the study, a whopping 77 per cent of respondents said the central government and telecom regulatory authorities have “not done enough” to address issues faced by consumers and another 77 per cent said they want operators to bill them based on usage and the services opted for instead of generalised packages.
“Net neutrality is something that a majority of citizens support and want the telecom regulator to ensure consumer interest is protected at all costs,” it added.
The company also said that the telecom regulatory body’s regulations are “loose” and the Department of Telecom’s monitoring of compliance on licensing requirements are falling short of expectations.
The survey was conducted across India with 20,000 citizens responding to six poll questions followed by a “detailed structured discussion.”
iWorld
JioHotstar enters micro-drama space with 100 shows under Tadka banner
Short-form push targets 300M users as content meets commerce in new format
MUMBAI: JioStar has made a bold play in India’s fast-growing micro-drama space, rolling out over 100 short-form shows under its new Tadka banner on JioHotstar, timed with the massive viewership surge of the Indian Premier League 2026.
The scale of the launch signals clear intent. Rather than testing the waters, the company has dived in headfirst, releasing a wide slate of content on day one. Each show is designed for quick consumption, with episodes running 60 to 90 seconds in a vertical format tailored for mobile-first audiences.
The move comes as India’s micro-drama market, currently valued at around $300 million, is projected to grow tenfold to over $3 billion by 2030. Globally, the format has already proven its mettle, with China’s micro-drama sector recording explosive growth in recent years.
What sets this rollout apart is its built-in monetisation strategy. The shows are free to watch and ad-supported, with brand integrations woven directly into storylines from the outset. It reflects a broader shift where content and commerce are increasingly intertwined, rather than operating in silos.
The timing is equally strategic. With more than 300 million users already tuning in for IPL action, JioHotstar is effectively turning cricket’s biggest stage into a discovery engine for its new format.
The company is not entering an empty arena. Early movers like Kuku TV, MX Player and platforms backed by Zee Entertainment Enterprises have already laid the groundwork, building audiences and validating demand for snackable storytelling.
Now, with scale, distribution and advertiser interest aligning, the big players are stepping in. For JioStar, Tadka may well serve as a proving ground for the next evolution of digital entertainment, where every minute counts and every second sells.
If the bet pays off, India’s next big content wave might just arrive in under 90 seconds.
