DTH
Govt formally lifts ban on DTH, firm on 20% sectoral, foreign equity cap
One of the major regulatory hurdles in the way of the launch of DTH services in India has been lifted. On Friday, a notification was issued which formally lifted the four year old ban on the establishment, maintenance, possession or dealing of equipment capable of receiving Ku band television broadcast signals.
The notification becomes effective immediately, amending the Radio, Television and Video Cassette Recorder Sets (Exemption from Licensing Requirements) Rules, 1997 removing prohibition for use of such apparatus in the frequency bands 4,800 MHz and above.
One issue which is still exercising industry players is that of the 20 per cent sectoral and foreign equity cap on any DTH operations. Information and Broadcasting Minister Sushma Swaraj has repeatedly said that there would be no change in these guidelines despite strong lobbying from the industry for its increase.
Star TV India has recently announced it is going ahead with its DTH plans despite its “difficulties” in meeting the government’s criteria to start operations.
DTH
SITI Networks reports Rs 435.69 million loss amid insolvency process
Mounting losses and legal challenges continue to weigh on operations
MUMBAI: SITI Networks Limited, currently undergoing a Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP), has reported its un-audited financial results for the quarter and half-year ended 30 September 2025. The company’s financial position remains under significant pressure, with ongoing losses and uncertainty around its ability to continue as a going concern.
The company reported a consolidated net loss of Rs 435.69 million for the September 2025 quarter, taking its accumulated losses to Rs 29,388.36 million. Its net worth stands at a negative Rs 12,445.09 million, while current liabilities exceed assets by Rs 16,861.18 million, raising serious concerns about financial sustainability.
For the half-year period, consolidated revenue from operations declined to Rs 5,667.78 million from Rs 6,108.28 million in the corresponding period last year. Total current liabilities rose to Rs 24,796.07 million, driven largely by trade payables of Rs 11,030.22 million and borrowings of Rs 7,573.85 million.
The Resolution Professional has admitted financial creditor claims of Rs 11,292.66 million, along with operational and employee claims amounting to Rs 7,066.86 million. Meanwhile, statutory auditors have issued a “Disclaimer of Opinion,” citing lack of access to key information, including minutes of Committee of Creditors (CoC) meetings due to confidentiality constraints.
A dispute also continues over Rs 1,230 million appropriated by lenders from the company’s bank accounts during a “stay period.” The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) has directed that this amount be held in a separate interest-bearing account until the matter is resolved.
Operationally, pay channel costs for the half-year stood at Rs 3,754.03 million. The company noted that if these costs were reported on a net basis, both revenue and expenses would appear lower, though there would be no impact on the net loss.
Additionally, Siti Jind Digital Media Communications ceased to be a subsidiary in October 2025 following approval of a resolution plan. SITI Networks’ future now depends on the successful implementation of its own resolution plan as it continues through the insolvency process.
