Cable TV
Convergence 2006: tech & trends galore
NEW DELHI: The 14th Convergence India 2006, which was inaugurated yesterday by the minister of state for telecommunications Shakeel Ahmed, saw over 60,000 visitors on day two, clamouring to have a peep at new technology on display.
The event also hosted a high-powered round table conference comprising infotech secretaries from the states of Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Uttaranchal, Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka (that has been the home to some of the biggest Indian infotech success stories).
The round table meet focussed on bridging the digital divide and a host of other issues.
The three-day event, boasting of 386 exhibitors, 1,500 delegates and 23 countries, is aimed at highlighting India’s information, communications and telecom (ICT) prowess.
Designed around the theme of `ushering the ICT revolution’, Convergence 2006 has global and Indian corporates showcasing technology and equipment in the field of mobility, broadcasting, infotech and network security.
The event is jointly organized by the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) and Exhibitions India.
According to Exhibitions India MD Prem Behl, “Alongside the display of latest technologies and innovations in telecom, India’s leading mobile service providers are showcasing innovations being brought into the market.”
Director-general of COAI TV Ramachandran said that the organization is confident such an event will bring additional focus to the needs of the industry that are essential for the overall growth of the sector.
“The B2C and B2B environment at the event will translate into extensive exhibitor coverage converging into genuine business opportunities,” he added.
Known for facilitating business deals and throwing up new ideas for discussion during conferences that are held simultaneously, the event is also being used by companies to launch new products.
For example, Chinese telecom major Huawei today launched eight new CDMA handsets and it is also showcasing its globally award-winning exhibit booth at the Convergence 2006.
Some of the participating companies include 3M Electro & Communication India Pvt Ltd, A&P Technologies of Korea, Accelink China, Acceltree Software Pvt Ltd India, Ace Marketing China , AFL Telecommunications of the US, Canada’s Aheeva Technology Inc, Ai-Logix APAC of China, ALV Arion of Israel, Andrew Telecommunications India and Avitec of Sweden.
Also, taking part in the event are Beijing Fibridge Co Ltd, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited, BindView Corporation of the UK, Biometrics Direct of the US, China Broadcasting Journal, Consumer Electronics & TV Manufacturers’ Association (CETMA) India, department of IT, India, Enterprise Networks Asia of Hong Kong, Euromedia of the UK, Lucent Technologies Hindustan Pvt Ltd, Scientific-Atlanta (HK) Ltd, Shenzhen HXT Technology Co Ltd of China, Shin Satellite of Thailand and ZTE Corporation.
Cable TV
Hathway Cable appoints Gurjeev Singh Kapoor as CEO
Leadership change comes as cable TV faces shrinking subscriber base and modest earnings pressure
MUMBAI: Hathway Cable and Datacom has tapped industry veteran Gurjeev Singh Kapoor as chief executive officer, marking a leadership pivot at a time when India’s cable television business is under mounting strain.
Kapoor will take over from Tavinderjit Singh Panesar, who is set to retire in August after a long innings with the company. Panesar, chief executive since 2023, has held multiple leadership roles at Hathway, including his latest stint beginning in 2022.
Kapoor brings more than three decades of experience in media and entertainment. He most recently led distribution at The Walt Disney Company’s Star India business, now part of JioStar. His career spans television distribution and affiliate partnerships, with stints at Sony Pictures Networks India, Discovery Communications and Zee Entertainment.
Panesar, with over three decades in the industry, has worked across strategic planning, distribution and business development in media, broadcasting and manufacturing. His past associations include ESPN Star Sports, Star India, Apollo Tyres and JK Industries.
The transition lands as the cable sector grapples with structural disruption. Traditional operators are losing ground to streaming platforms, while telecom and broadband players tighten the squeeze with bundled offerings.
An EY report estimates India’s pay-TV base could shrink by a further 30 to 40 million households by 2030, taking the total down to 71 to 81 million. The slide follows a loss of nearly 40 million homes between 2018 and 2024, a contraction that has already wiped out more than 37,000 jobs in the local cable operator ecosystem.
Hathway’s numbers reflect the strain. The company reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 93 crore for FY25, down from Rs 99 crore a year earlier. Revenue inched up to Rs 2,040 crore from Rs 1,981 crore. As of December 2025, it had about 4.7 million cable TV subscribers and roughly 1.02 million broadband users.
Kapoor steps in with a familiar brief but a shrinking playbook. In a market where viewers are cutting cords faster than companies can reinvent them, the new chief executive inherits a business fighting to stay plugged in.
