Cable TV
DEN networks to use Alcatel-Lucent’s GPON tech for broadband services
MUMBAI : DEN Networks will deploy Alcatel-Lucent’s GPON and IP routers to enable DEN Networks to launch ultra-broadband access services in India.
DEN Networks is offering services in the fast-growing broadband market, where cable and satellite pay-TV subscribers are estimated to rise to 175 million by 2019, from 139 million today. With a customer base 13 million cable TV service over 200 cities, DEN Networks plans to use fiber-optic access technology to expand its ‘DEN Boomband’ broadband service to 8.5 million city homes within three years.
Since September 2015, Alcatel-Lucent has been deploying its GPON (gigabit passive optical networking) fiber-to-the-home, Ethernet aggregation and Broadband Network Gateway IP routing technologies with DEN Networks, delivering services to new customers as well as those already served by the existing DOCSIS-based network. In some areas of the network Alcatel-Lucent’s technology is providing backhaul connectivity, with the existing coaxial cable being used for ‘last-mile’ service delivery.
Alcatel-Lucent is providing its GPON technology, which includes the 7360 Intelligent Service Access Manager (ISAM) FX, the 7368 Intelligent Services Aware Manager ONT and the 5520 Access Management System (AMS) to enable high-speed ultra-broadband access for homes and businesses using both fiber-to-the-home and fiber-to-the-node technologies to serve individual and multi-dwelling residences.
Alcatel-Lucent will also provide its IP routing and switching portfolio to Den Networks. The 7210 Service Access Switch will provide layer three aggregation and the 7750 Service Routers will act as a broadband network gateway for residential services. Network management and subscriber level reporting will be provided by the 5620 Service Aware Manager and 5670 Reporting and Analysis Manager respectively.
Pradeep Parameswaran of DEN Networks said, “We are committed to delivering the fastest high speed experience to our business and residential subscribers in India. Broadband is our key thrust area and we constantly strive to make the experience fast and consistent for our customers. With Alcatel-Lucent’s fiber and IP routing solutions we now extend our high-speed Internet connectivity and services superfast surfing experience to more people and businesses around the country.”
Srini Sundararajan of Alcatel-Lucent said, “Working with the DEN Networks on an in-depth study and trials, we were able to show how our IP routing and GPON technology would help it scale to better meet the growing demands of their customers.”
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.
